Pee-wee's Big Holiday

2016 "He Is Back!"
6.1| 1h30m| PG| en| More Info
Released: 15 March 2016 Released
Producted By: Apatow Productions
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: https://www.netflix.com/title/80031800
Synopsis

A fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday.

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Reviews

Alicia I love this movie so much
Teringer An Exercise In Nonsense
Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Jenni Devyn Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.
MaximumMadness Many times before, I've noted that one of the most important things a comedy film must do is to charm its audience. With good characters and a good heart at its core (or even a black heart in some cases), a film's charm can make up for many a fault, whether it be lackluster writing, questionable casting or poor visual direction. And I do think charm is the one saving grace that helps to elevate the 2016 Netflix original movie "Pee-Wee's Big Holiday" beyond the shaky foundation of its troubled and uneven script. As a long-time fan of the character who very much enjoyed his children's show and adored the original theatrical "Big Adventure", I found myself once again having a blast thanks to the wonderful childlike antics of Paul Reubens' iconic creation... even when it falters on a frequent basis.Pee-Wee Herman (Reubens) isn't having the best day at his home in the town of Fairville. He's just found out his band has broken up and his friends are moving on, while he feels scared to go out into the wide world. However, a chance-encounter with actor Joe Manganiello causes Pee-Wee to question his inability to leave. When Joe invites Pee-Wee to his Birthday bash in the Big Apple, Pee-Wee decides that now is the perfect chance to take a road-trip and broaden his horizons. Along the way, he'll run afoul a group of Bank Robbers (Jessica Pohly, Alia Shawkat and Stephanie Beatriz), meet a kindly old farmer (Hal Landon Jr.) and his nine crazy daughters, befriend an eccentric aviator (Diane Salinger) and encounter numerous other colorful characters on his journey to New York.The biggest part of the appeal here is the sort-of novelty of seeing such a wonderful and widely loved character back after so many years. And this simplistic aspect of the film is where it excels the most. Pee-Wee has always been a favorite for many people, and when Reubens is able to focus on simply being the character in all his obnoxious and childlike glory, the film nails its grandest laughs. He's such an inherently silly and entertaining character to watch, that I found if anything, the film was weakened by being bogged down too much in trying to replicate the sort-of road trip aesthetic first seen in "Big Adventure." I almost wish that the film had more of a traditional narrative that narrowed down on characters and instead placed more focus on Pee-Wee as a character than on his journey. We've missed him. We just want more Pee-Wee. There doesn't necessarily have to be a grand plot at hand.Unfortunately the problems with the film are a result of it trying to recreate the magic of that original film. Director John Lee can't quite recapture the magic that Reubens and director Tim Burton had so many years ago, and instead we're saddled with a lot of really half-baked gags and hastily abbreviated sequences that constantly swap Pee-Wee out with different supporting characters. It just comes off as very rushed and a uneven as a result and there's too many moments that fall flat for me to completely ignore it.Thankfully, that charm factor I spoke of earlier is able to salvage the film despite this. Pee-Wee continues to wow us with his ability to generate honest laughs and chuckles, and Reubens barely looks like he's aged a day since the last film. Supprting roles are all generally well-played and enjoyable despite their often abbreviated screen time. Particularly Salinger and Shawcat, who are both a great boost to the film. Manganiello is also a good bit of fun playing a sort-of caricature of himself. And despite lacking style, the film's playful atmosphere is very infectious. You'll find yourself chuckling along with Pee-Wee, humming the theme to yourself and giggling over its handful of inspired gags for hours after its over.I'm going to give "Pee-Wee's Big Holiday" a pretty good 7 out of 10 for the sheer manic likability and charm it oozes in every scene. If you're a longtime fan of the character, you're definitely going to get a kick out of it. But if you're on the fence or have built up the hype too much, it's uneven storytelling might be a bit too off-putting.
MovieHoliks Well, I saw this new Netflix original the other night; if I'm not mistaken, the third full-length Pee Wee Herman film, and the first one in 28 years (has it been THAT long??) since 1988's "Big Top Pee Wee". For "Pee-wee's Big Holiday", our hero takes to the road to re-unite with, and attend the birthday party of his newly-formed friend, actor Joe Manganiello!-LOL- who has dared him to do something different, and be adventurous! I must say, actor Paul Reubens has barely aged in 30 years!?? And it's interesting watching this movie with his history and acting credits since then. I see now he is reprising his role as Penguin's dad on TV's "Gotham". Very cool. Well, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this- definitely liked it better than "Big Top Pee Wee" and his old TV show from the '80s, although the latter seemed to be geared more toward kids. Not sure I liked it as well as 1985's now classic "Pee Wee's Big Adventure", but this one definitely holds up to that film no doubt. Even though I liked this, I was a tad surprised it got as high of a meta-critic rating at IMDb as it did-??
graphicstyle7 I have been a Pee Wee fan ever since his Broadway show back in the '80's.Part of the reason I liked him? That would be his crazy, highly imaginative world that seemed to be, especially back in the day, so accepting of others eccentricities and differences.I enjoyed the first half of his most current movie. He hasn't changed a bit, and that's a good thing in many ways. His humor is classic. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That's why I was very surprised, hurt, and extremely put off when in the middle of this fluffy, happy comedy, one of the most mildewed, putrid tropes is dragged out of circa 1910 and aired out for no particular reason than to inspire actual cruelty and eat up time.Hey, all you fat chicks! Guess what? It's still totally OK to see you as a one note joke the hero is desperately trying to escape! You are OK with that, right? I mean, just because it's 2016 and there's a strong movement to see you as actual people with talents, dreams (Besides getting married) and personalities doesn't mean we can't depict you as a highly insulting stereotype, right? I'm guessing this was in the writers head as he wrote this tired, sad, and ugly part into the movie. It's 2016, guys. Big girls go out on real dates and have real lives and actually don't appreciate being depicted as a monster.Otherwise, it's an OK film. Next time, Mr. Rubens, leave the humor juvenile, but take out the mean spirit, OK?
Idiot-Deluxe 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!