Pee-wee's Big Adventure
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Just as charming and curious as it was in 1985.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Pee-wee's Big Adventure was written by Scott G. Mignola
Parents need to know that younger kids will find Pee-wee delightful, but occasional sinister imagery (including Large Marge and a few dream sequences involving clowns and devils) may be a bit much for some. Grade school kids should enjoy Pee-wee and identify with his mission to hunt down his stolen bicycle.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what makes Pee-wee such an entertaining character. Why do so many kids -- and adults -- like him? Can you think of any other characters who are as well-loved by both age groups? The Muppets, for example -- like Pee-wee's TV show and films, the Muppets appeal to both kids and adults. Why? What are the elements that make characters like these appealing to such a wide age range?
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More on Pee-wee's Big Adventure
What’s the Story?
When someone steals his customized red bicycle, sprightly man-boy Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) embarks on the adventure of a lifetime in Tim Burton's imaginative, madcap comedy. Leaving everything he knows behind -- including lovelorn friend Dottie (Elizabeth Daly) -- Pee-wee hits the road on an epic quest to recover his most prized possession. The journey leads him to various sites, including the historic Alamo, a raucous biker bar, the mouth of a dinosaur, and a Hollywood movie set. Along the way, he befriends everyone from a fugitive to a pretty waitress who dreams of becoming a movie star. The adventure also teaches Pee-wee some important lessons (the Alamo doesn't have a basement, it's possible to appease angry biker gangs by dancing to "Tequila," and more). But most of all, Pee-wee learns that he's got what it takes to meet any challenge head on, and, in the end, all he really needs are his good friends and a place to call home.
Is It Any Good?
Those who found Tim Burton's feature film debut a charming curiosity when it hit the big screen in 1985 will find it just as charming -- and just as curious -- today. Children and open-minded adults unfamiliar with Pee-wee Herman are in for a surprise. The movie's success, which paved the way for the Saturday morning show Pee-wee's Playhouse, is due in large part to Pee-wee himself. As personified by comic Paul Reubens, the smooth-faced, childlike man with the infectious chuckle has a unique appeal that elevated him briefly to the status of cult icon.
Reubens' sensibilities work well with Burton's equally bizarre artistic vision. The movie's wild production designs, a bit of claymation, and lots of unusual toys and props demonstrate what ingenuity can do on a tight budget. Pee-wee isn't regarded as abnormal in this movie -- as he was in the less successful follow-up, Big Top Pee-wee -- rather, he's just an innocent man-child in a red bow tie who would rather find his stolen bicycle than go to the drive-in with the persistent Dottie. Kids can certainly identify with that.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Director: Tim Burton
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: 05/02/2000, DVD release: 05/02/2000
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic material
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: 05/02/2000, DVD release: 05/02/2000
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic material
Our Members Say
See all 10 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Wacky Fun for the whole family
Some of the jokes may go over the head of kids under 10, but the unique humor grabs everyone.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
very funny
this movie is mostly zany, comical and off the wall. There are a few points that might be objectionable - there's one scene where an ex-con wields a gun, there's a scene in a bar where the patrons (a biker gang) talk about hanging and killing pee wee for knocking over their bikes (the bikers are more cartoonish then realistic, and eventually become friends with pee wee). In the bar, people are consuming alcohol. In an earlier scene, there's some very, very mild sexual innuendo between pee wee and a waitress.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
woo! Cult Classic!
oooh, what a great movie. The breakfast machine and large marge are all classic scenes. Some parts are questionable... Pee-wee can be bratty and crazy at times (mainly around Francis) and there is abit of mild language...(pee-wee says crappy, hell is used aswell as some violent language used by the bikers...) and some scary scenes (large marge always freaks me out and those clowns are creepy!) Overall, a hilarious movie for everyone to enjoy
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Great, Bizarre, and Hilarious!
Pee Wee's Big Adventure is a hilarious film, and it's worth noting that this is Tim Burton's first movie, and it's a great start for a great director. It's approrpiate for kids about 5 or older, although the scenes with the creepy clowns and Large Marge may be a bit too creepy. Pee Wee says 'crappy' and 'burn in hell' is sang in a song. Good for kids 5 or 6+
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
GREATEST MOVIE EVER!
This movie has aleays been one of my favorites!!! I love it! PeeWee is the funniest guyu around and he doesn't shy away from the serious stuff either. I can't believe Paul Reubens hasn't become more of a star after this movie because the humor is great and the jokes keep me laughing for hours on end. When PeeWee jumps on his bike and rides through the movie sets and a dinosaur falls in Santas slay, I can't believe what I'm watching! Great for everyone!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
i loved it
sweet and charming thats all i have to say
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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