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Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)

6.8
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Ratings: 6.8/10 from 29,975 users   Metascore: 47/100
Reviews: 165 user | 44 critic | 13 from Metacritic.com

When eccentric man-child Pee-Wee Herman gets his beloved bike stolen in broad daylight, he sets out across the U.S. on the adventure of his life.

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Title: Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Pee-wee Herman (as Pee-wee Herman)
...
...
...
Judd Omen ...
Irving Hellman ...
Monte Landis ...
Damon Martin ...
...
Gregory Brown ...
Mark Everett ...
...
Chuck (as Daryl Roach)
Bill Cable ...
Policeman #1
Peter Looney ...
Policeman #2
...
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Storyline

The cartoonish and childish character Pee Wee Herman goes on a big adventure for the first time ever when his beloved shiny new bicycle is stolen by his nemesis Francis Buxton, a fellow man-child and neighborhood rich "kid." And he sets off on an obsessive cross-country journey, determined to recover it. Pee-wee's awkward and childish attempts to be cool and mature. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com}

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

You will believe a man can ride a bike. See more »


Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

9 August 1985 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

A Grande Aventura de Pee Wee  »

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$40,900,000 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The Drive-in sequence was filmed at the Studio Drive In, formerly located in Culver City CA. The Studio was built in the 1930s, and was the first Drive-in Theatre constructed in California. It served as a set for several films, including Grease. It was closed in 1993 and demolished in 1998. No trace of this Drive-in remains. See more »

Goofs

When Twisted Sister are filming their music video, someone is following them with a boom mic, which is unnecessary as the band is using the pre-recorded album version of the song for the music video. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Pee-wee: Look out, Mister Potato Head!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theatre 3000: Hercules Unchained (1992) See more »

Soundtracks

"BURN IN HELL"
Written by Dee Snider
Performed by Twisted Sister
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Pee Wee Herman + Tim Burton = MANIC FUN!!
12 September 2002 | by (Queens, NY) – See all my reviews

Wow, deja vu.

I haven't seen this one since....years ago back when wearing wrist bracelets was popular. It brought back all these memories of the fun I had watching this a kid. Surprisingly, this is Tim Burton's first movie and he did a great job. His unique directing, visual design, and dark comedy just work superbly as a whole. I can never remember being so affected by clowns in hospital smocks.

Let's not forget Pee Wee as well. He was definitely a character who I enjoyed watching because he was so carefree, happy, and it was hard not to like him. There are so many great scenes in this one like breakfast time, the Alamo, Pee Wee's nightmares, any scene with Francis "YOU'LL BE SORRY PEE WEE HERMAN!" Buxton, Mickey the con, the Warner Bros lot and so many more. The characters are great too and from their performances, you can tell they had fun doing this film cause it shows. With a the limited budget, Pee Wee's wacky nature, and Tim Burton's imagination, it all adds up to a really entertaining film. Oops, can't forget Danny Elfman's great soundtrack which sets the tone rather nicely.

The DVD has great commentary from Paul & Tim and provides great insight into the film. Watch this one and remember:

"Be sure and tell them Large Marge sent ya!!"


23 of 30 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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