Pee-wee's Big Holiday

I really didn't have high expectations for this but I found myself enjoying it. At first I was put off by the heavy makeup on Paul Reubens to try and hide his age, plus the sad reality that Reubens can no longer do the distinctive Pee Wee voice quite right. So, the first few minutes into this I was doubtful I would be able to finish it. But gradually I began to look past those things because it's funny and charming with a delightfully corny approach that reminded me of the older movies and the TV series. Not every gag works but I think most of them are at least worth a chuckle. There's a very simple but effective gag involving a balloon at one point that had me in stitches. In an age where every stand-up comic uses trite observational humor and every comedy film seems to rely on dick jokes, it's refreshing to see something prove "old school" humor still works. Once you get past the creepy makeup and the voice, it's a fun movie. Sure it's mostly an exercise in nostalgia for those of us who grew up watching Pee Wee but I don't really think that's a negative.

Pee-Wee's Big Holiday is bizarre and ridiculous. However, if you're a fan of the old Pee-Wee movies, you'll probably enjoy this one. Paul Reubens is noticeably older, but it still feels like the same old Pee-Wee Herman. This movie didn't make me laugh out loud, but it did make me smile a few times.

Pee-wee Herman: The iconic and ever-funny man-child returns (and it only took 28 years!!!) in thee superbly zany "Pee-wee's Big Holiday". I found this to be nearly as good as "Pee-wee's Big Adventure", nearly. This is an extremely fun and fast-paced comedy (unlike the epic misfire that is 1988's "Big Top Pee-wee") that will make you grin from beginning to end. Just like the almighty first film 30+ years ago, this is an epic "road movie" and he has some utterly hilarious, side-splitting encounters along the way. I won't get into plot specifics just watch it for yourself and marvel at the fact, that Paul Reubens is every bit as convincing as Pee-wee Herman today, as he was in the 80's. I've been a Pee-wee fan since the mid-80's so I can say with confidence that I know my stuff.

As hinted at above, Paul Reubens really knows his character and with the exception of a few instances, early in the film, where his voice seems to sound a bit off (to low in pitch) his performance is all but perfect. It's truly amazing how well Reubens has aged over the years, he's nearly 64 YEARS OLD! and yet he still looks the part. Looking as though he's aged only about 15 years, since making the first film over 30 years ago! I find it baffling that some reviewers are saying he's too old looking to keep playing the role. They are certainly mistaken to think that. Indeed, people just like to quibble and bitch, even when there isn't anything to quibble and bitch about - that I've noticed. Cut out the negativity people, because: Pee-wee still has it! A true one-of-a-kind character perfectly crafted and refined by a comic genius.

It's too bad Tim Burton didn't direct this movie, but John Lee did a good job none the less. Musically speaking, the soundtrack is effective, but not overly memorable; a shame Danny Elfman also didn't show up for The Big Holiday, because I just adore Danny's Pee-wee music. Apparently one of the guys from Devo did the music and like I say said effective but not terribly memorable, not like what maestro Elfman would have composed. Like many fans, I'm still holding out hope for a grand return of the team of Reubens/Burton/Elfman to some day make the best ever Pee-wee Herman adventure. Hope it happens some day. Tick-tock tick-tock tick-tock - for time is not infinite.

In closing, if I were to rate the 3 Pee-wee films, Big Adventure stills reigns as number 1, close behind is Big Holiday firmly in second place, and it beats the pants off the terribly disappointing Big Top Pee-wee the definite loser of the three - it takes the bronze.

PS - I have to address this, as it does bother at times, to see just how many people, evidently, do not know how to properly spell his name. Even after !!35 YEARS!! of being in the public eye. It's "Pee-wee" NOT: Pee-Wee or Pee Wee, drop that capitol on the "w" damn-it and don't forget to add the hyphen. Well that's done........

and please............KEEP MAKING THESE MOVIES PAUL!

If you wondered what a Pee-Wee movie would be like 30 years after his heyday, the answer is pretty much exactly the same, which is perfect. Pee-Wee still exists in this surreal 1950s alternate reality that feels as fresh today as it did in the 80s.

Pee-Wee Herman has never left the small town of Fairville, but after meeting actor Joe Manganiello (playing himself in a hilarious self aware performance), he's convinced to head East on a journey to New York for Joe's birthday party. Along the way he meets an assortment of colorful characters that help break him out of his sheltered existence.

The makeup department deserves an Emmy or Oscar (or whatever awards Netflix movies qualify for) for the job they did to Paul Reubens. The man is 63, and in real life, looks about his age. But in this film he only looks slightly older than he did back in the 80s. His voice has gotten a little bit raspier, but that's to be expected. Reubens himself is back in character, fully committed (surprisingly he hasn't been yet), and giving it his all.

The supporting cast is also consistently wonderful. Similar to any other Pee-Wee Herman project, almost all the characters, whether they're harboring deep secrets or not, smile and wave, giving off that 50s Leave it to Beaver "everything is great" attitude. Every performance is over the top, but they're all perfect. Diane Salinger from Big Adventure returns, this time playing a kooky pilot, and she gives it her all in a manic and memorable cameo. Character actor Hal Landon Jr. is similarly insane as a farmer that is simultaneously sheltering his nine daughters and trying to marry them off to strangers.

The biggest fault in the film is that it feels somewhat disconnected. The locations Pee-Wee ends up in are all amusing, but at times it just seems like a series of scenes not really leading to Pee-Wee's final goal. On the plus side, at times when the plot seems to really be getting lost, Pee-Wee mentions again where he's going, and how far he has to go bringing it back on track. In general, the journey to Joe's party and to find himself, is not as compelling as Pee- Wee's journey to find his bike. It would be much easier not to compare Big Adventure and Big Holiday, if they hadn't clearly modeled the latter on the former.

Kids will enjoy it for it's over the top cartoonish qualities, and the adult Pee-Wee fans will enjoy the exact same thing, in addition to all the ironic winks at the audience that the kids don't notice. If you're a fan of Pee-Wee Herman at all, then this will be a treat for you. It looks to the first feature film for guidance, but Holiday is it's own unique movie, full of the typical quirky charms you would expect from Paul Reubens. The best moments here don't equal the fun climax of Big Adventure, but it's still consistently amusing, never boring, and at times laugh out loud funny. And it's a heck of a lot more charming than Big Top Pee-Wee.

My rating: *** out of ****. Contains mild language and some mild sexual innuendos.

"Pee-Wee's Big Holiday" is the latest film made specifically for Netflix and it's debuted this weekend. After seeing it, I think that if you loved Paul Rubens' first starring film, "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure", you'll love this picture as well. And, if "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" is not your idea of fun, you'll find this one tough viewing. As for me, I enjoyed it and thought it was a very amiable film...and not a lot more. But, in my case, I think that's enough.

The style of the film is pretty much the same as in the previous film...Pee-Wee leaves his small town and goes on a journey across America. Along the way, he has a variety of adventures, meets some nice people and brightens up the lives of most everyone he meets. Why would he leave his town? Because he's just met the movie star Joe Manganiello ("Magic Mike") and the pair instantly bond and become friends...and Joe has invited Pee-Wee to his giant birthday party in New York. But Pee-Wee has to overcome his fear of leaving town for the first time in his life...which means, incidentally, that Pee-Wee has absolutely no recollection whatsoever of the first film!

This Apatow-Rubens Production is pleasant viewing and the best thing about the film is its wonderful sense of style. Pee-Wee's hometown is retro in every way...sort of like a 1950s TV series in real life. Everyone is nice, the cars are all gorgeous 50s models and there is a very, very strong sense of nostalgia. Pee-Wee is, well, Pee- Wee...and if you like his shtick from his previous two starring films (he also made the less than famous Big Top Pee-Wee), you'll enjoy this as well. The only things I didn't like is that the film, while enjoyable, took very few risks. It's essentially his first (and best) film all over again in many ways. Also, there's a sequence involving balloons and the Amish that goes on a bit too long. But otherwise, it's a nice film for the family--parents who enjoy Pee-Wee and kids who can't help but like the guy. Will it change your life? Not in the least...but it's nice, enjoyable and worth your time.