I just can't get the point of this movie. Its material isn't defined enough. Is this supposed to be a kid's film? Then what for the sexual puns and innuendos, or the soft, yet present, critics to Hollywood and studio executives? It seems a mixture that doesn't glue together.
PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE isn't entertaining. At least, it isn't entertaining enough. Its dialogues are undeveloped and basic, in its worst sense. There's an absence of a strong story-line and our main character doesn't grow up in his journey. What's the point of having a journey if the character doesn't evolve? In the beginning, the only thing that matters to Pee-wee is his bike. In the end, he feels everything exactly the same way with the exception of the opportunity he gives to the girl. Naturally, Pee-wee is helped through his journey when initially he though he wouldn't need help from anyone, but this isn't strong enough to denote a change in the character.
I like Tim Burton and his universes but I find this film very poor. It's not a visual extravaganza like some of his posterior films would be. There are a couple of interesting scenes the dinosaur in the Pre-Historic Museum and Pee-wee's dream inside the hospital - but in general the film is not as rich as it could be for a Tim Burton picture. Even though, I can understand Burton was preparing territory for his following films.
Special mention must go to composer Danny Elfman in his first collaboration with Burton who delivers a wonderful score, sometimes scary, sometimes radiant, always magical and powerful. The soundtrack is predominantly present and, ultimately, that's what brings some color and life to Pee-wee's adventure and gives some cohesion to this film.
As an adult, I didn't enjoy this fantasy film but I can't either imagine what message a kid can take from it? `Mommy, daddy, can I have a new bike?', `No, you can't! And stop talking like Pee-wee!' Is that it?
PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE isn't entertaining. At least, it isn't entertaining enough. Its dialogues are undeveloped and basic, in its worst sense. There's an absence of a strong story-line and our main character doesn't grow up in his journey. What's the point of having a journey if the character doesn't evolve? In the beginning, the only thing that matters to Pee-wee is his bike. In the end, he feels everything exactly the same way with the exception of the opportunity he gives to the girl. Naturally, Pee-wee is helped through his journey when initially he though he wouldn't need help from anyone, but this isn't strong enough to denote a change in the character.
I like Tim Burton and his universes but I find this film very poor. It's not a visual extravaganza like some of his posterior films would be. There are a couple of interesting scenes the dinosaur in the Pre-Historic Museum and Pee-wee's dream inside the hospital - but in general the film is not as rich as it could be for a Tim Burton picture. Even though, I can understand Burton was preparing territory for his following films.
Special mention must go to composer Danny Elfman in his first collaboration with Burton who delivers a wonderful score, sometimes scary, sometimes radiant, always magical and powerful. The soundtrack is predominantly present and, ultimately, that's what brings some color and life to Pee-wee's adventure and gives some cohesion to this film.
As an adult, I didn't enjoy this fantasy film but I can't either imagine what message a kid can take from it? `Mommy, daddy, can I have a new bike?', `No, you can't! And stop talking like Pee-wee!' Is that it?