Review of Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) by Brian S — 29 Sep 2010

This is the story of a man (boy? teenager? He's an enigma!) who is a bit of an eccentric. He lives in a house full of bizarre toys and gadgets and doesn't appear to have a job of any sort. His main passion in life is his bike, but when said bike is stolen Pee Wee loses his mind! He suspects the neighbourhood rich kid Francis, who has always wanted Pee-Wee's bike for himself since they were kids. When Pee-Wee sets out to find his bike on his own as the authorities are no help, an adventure unfolds that takes him first to the Alamo in Texas, and then all the way to Hollywood!

This was one of my favourite movies growing up and I just recently learned that it was one of Tim Burton's very first films! Looking back at it I should have realized it at some point as his fingerprints are all over this thing, but hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? The vivid colours, the bizarre props and effects, and of course Paul Reuben's amazing Pee-Wee character make this one of the funniest, most unique and original movies I have ever seen! This movie continues to be one of my all-time favourites, simply awesome!