Pee-wee's Big Holiday

Netflix | Release Date: March 18, 2016

6.9	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 36 Ratings

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dammanMar 21, 2016

Great performance I loved the series can't wait to see more roles for this great actor. Who ever worte the script needs an award. Just loved the show.

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TheChronicleMar 19, 2016

It sets the bar very high at first , does it reach its bar at some points yes. The comedy is there its funny and reminds all of us about Pee Wee Herman Adventure. It might not be as great for many fans of the series, but if you enjoy a goodIt sets the bar very high at first , does it reach its bar at some points yes. The comedy is there its funny and reminds all of us about Pee Wee Herman Adventure. It might not be as great for many fans of the series, but if you enjoy a good laugh, some really funny action scenes, and nostalgia I think you'll do fine! Unfortunately, there are some low notes as well, with some awkward jokes and scenes. Personally Paul Reubens isn't bad, but he is beginning to look much older. so they should have played more with role in general. There are definitely some laugh out loud moments, which I can't deny. It isn't for all people, but does revitalized the series greatly! For me personally it was great film start to finish, but for all people it may not be.… Expand

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RtheomMay 19, 2016

It's a fun little movie that really hearkens back to the good ol' days of Pee Wee. Sure, he's a little bit grumpier and his voice is quite a bit rougher, but ultimately the real magic of Pee Wee Herman has always been it's theme: the ideaIt's a fun little movie that really hearkens back to the good ol' days of Pee Wee. Sure, he's a little bit grumpier and his voice is quite a bit rougher, but ultimately the real magic of Pee Wee Herman has always been it's theme: the idea that nearly everyone you might meet in your life is ultimately a good person, even if they are a little misunderstood sometimes. It's a pretty refreshing when most other media we consume today tries to tell us pretty much the opposite.

Watch it if you're a fan of Pee Wee or if you're just in the mood for something light and feel-good.… Expand

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kuehnauMar 18, 2016

When I first watched the original films, I was pretty young, but I remember growing up with Pee-Wee's Playhouse on TV.

This film was an interesting trip down nostalgia lane. There was some high notes and unfortunately some low notes asWhen I first watched the original films, I was pretty young, but I remember growing up with Pee-Wee's Playhouse on TV.

This film was an interesting trip down nostalgia lane. There was some high notes and unfortunately some low notes as well. Some of the jokes put a smile on my face, many others, not so much.

I think the biggest problem is, now as an adult in my early 30's, I have a mixed perception on Pee-Wee and Paul Reubens. I think they missed an opportunity here here to play with the character and the story in a way that could have been significantly more funny and enjoyable for an more adult crowd.

The Brady Bunch movie managed to do it just fine, even Scooby Doo had some adult jokes that made me laugh, but still went over the kids' heads. Why couldn't we have had that?

In the end it isn't a bad movie by any means. It was completely watchable from start to finish for me, but it isn't going to be something I watch more then a few times before the charm wears off.… Expand

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jamessMar 21, 2016

First off, it's good to have Paul Reubens and his creation Pee Wee Herman back. Pee Wee's Big Holiday is almost a reboot of Tim Burton's Big Adventure as it's basically another road trip and the characters Pee Wee crosses paths with. It opensFirst off, it's good to have Paul Reubens and his creation Pee Wee Herman back. Pee Wee's Big Holiday is almost a reboot of Tim Burton's Big Adventure as it's basically another road trip and the characters Pee Wee crosses paths with. It opens with a dream sequence (after an opening where I swear Mark Mothersbaugh was channeling James Horner's Star Trek 2 score) featuring an alien that looks a lot like the rubber puppet from Mac and Me. Pee Wee loves the town he lives and works in, but, as his dream reveals, he secretly wishes to leave. Pee Wee's morning ritual is as Rube Goldberg as the original, but is expanded to include his neighbors and neighborhood. And everyone loves Pee Wee. That's the secret to the characters charm. As juvenile as he can become, there's a sweetness to the character that everyone can love. And Joe Manganiello, playing himself, bonds with Pee Wee (who murders his name as Joe Manga-blah-blello) after sharing a love of root beer barrel candy and appreciating Pee Wee's innocence. He invites Pee Wee to his New York birthday bash, and the road trip is off. On the way he meets a female trio of bank robbers right out of a Russ Meyer movie, an Amish village, a farmer with a bevy of daughters, and more. I would deduct this by a point or two because it so much like the original and some jokes go on a bit long, but just seeing Paul Reubens looking like he stepped out of a late eighties time machine is reason for a positive review.… Expand

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Fenny86Mar 18, 2016

As someone who loved Pee Wee's Big Adventure from three decades ago I expected that this movie wouldn't live up to its predecessor. However, I was pleased to see that no only was this movie beyond better than Big Top Pee Wee, it was alsoAs someone who loved Pee Wee's Big Adventure from three decades ago I expected that this movie wouldn't live up to its predecessor. However, I was pleased to see that no only was this movie beyond better than Big Top Pee Wee, it was also pretty funny and true to feel of the original movie.

The thing that really hurt the overall effect of the movie was Rueben's portrayal of the iconic Pee Wee Herman. At times it felt like Reuben's was trying to imitate a character, rather than be the character (which he created and animated for many years). The lack of a genuine delivery is vital for such an animated and unbelievable character to become believable.

The other critique I have was the casting and storyline centered around Joe Manganiello. It would have been more fun to have a 80's star cast. His character just feels very anachronistic and cheapened the quirky, psychedelic, and kitsch aesthetic.

With those two criticism aside, I enjoyed most other aspects of the movie. It was particularly nice to see Simone make a return to say Au Revoir one more time. The nostalgic music and cinematography were matched with a new quirky charters. We never do quite get those memorable moments like the Tequila Dance. I was also missing the claymation!

This movie was okay, which was a huge surprise, despite exceeding expectations there were many missed opportunities, but if you loved the original you will probably get a kick out of this one - the one time will be more than enough though.… Expand

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Soma9840Mar 19, 2016

This is definitely a movie for children. So let me base my review on that.
Is it good? Yes! I thought it was enjoyable for the most part, although it did face some cliches and unfunny jokes along the way. A serious problem this movie has isThis is definitely a movie for children. So let me base my review on that.
Is it good? Yes! I thought it was enjoyable for the most part, although it did face some cliches and unfunny jokes along the way. A serious problem this movie has is with drawing something out for much longer than it has to, to the point where it isn't funny anymore. It does this at least 3 times, making the jokes eventually annoying. I do have a soft spot for it, though. Not because of nostalgia, but because of the fact that it was a fun little experience. The plot was fun, the jokes were fun, everything was just fun. (I know there are better words to describe it, but I can't think of them.) So, if you just want to get a giggle or have a little fun, than take the time to watch this movie.… Expand

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MitchyNov 24, 2016

It's a good movie, though not exactly a great movie, it's not too bad of a movie. I guess if I have some issues with it, it's that it hits most of the same notes as Pee-Wee's big adventure, but there is enough variation to make it flavorful.It's a good movie, though not exactly a great movie, it's not too bad of a movie. I guess if I have some issues with it, it's that it hits most of the same notes as Pee-Wee's big adventure, but there is enough variation to make it flavorful. So all I can really say is... watch it for yourself.… Expand

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BashfulHMar 21, 2016

Pee Wee's back! As a fan who grew up with Pee Wee's Playhouse and the Burton film, I was excited (and apprehensive) about how Netflix's latest revival of an 80's staple would come out. The result: maybe not an
all-time classic, butPee Wee's back! As a fan who grew up with Pee Wee's Playhouse and the Burton film, I was excited (and apprehensive) about how Netflix's latest revival of an 80's staple would come out. The result: maybe not an
all-time classic, but consistently charming and a must-see for fans of the character.

Reubens still looks the part amazingly well given the amount of time that's gone by, to the point where you can largely ignore if not completely fail to notice his age. The movie largely disregards his past incarnations, more or less treating things as if we're meeting him for the first time, though a few sly, understated references to Pee Wee's Big Adventure are thrown in. If time has changed anything it's that the trademark shrillness in Pee Wee's voice has smoothed out with age, and has generally dropped by a register. And while he does less shouting this time around, he's still got that unnerving ability to deliver a venemous pause with eyes narrowed, or wicked one-liners muttered under his breath, especially in the first act before the film starts to give most of the jokes to the supporting characters, most of whom come and go pretty quickly. Whether individual bits land or not will depend on the viewer. The cast does exhibit one of the things Pee Wee's Playhouse was known for: an effortless inclusivity of any and all genders, types, and oddballs without being preachy or showy about it.

Manganiello (playing himself) is a delightfully inspired casting choice as Pee Wee's bro-crush. His Hollywood uber-man look and deadpan delivery perfectly capture the sort of kitschy oddity Pee Wee's universe abounds in. He arguably steals the show when he's around through sheer juxtaposition against Pee Wee.

Still, it's mildly disappointing that the writers play things so safe, more or less recreating the road trip scenario from Big Adventure. Even as a re-tread, the premise this time rings off: if there was ever a character who seemed willing and enthusiastic about experiencing things and "living a little" as Mangiello inspires him to do here, it's Pee Wee Herman! Having him play a relative introvert here is odd, and it robs him of a lot of his manic energy; instead, he spends most of the movie mildly anxious and oddly passive. Part of Pee-Wee's charm was how if there was a cage that needed to be rattled or a lesson about being yourself to be learned, HE was the one that pushed it (if inadvertently). It all feels a bit un-surreal, which is too bad given that his fans have always loved Pee Wee for cleverly pushing the envelope.

While it would have been fun to see Pee Wee in a more novel situation, the film gets credit for not devolving into a parade of self-references, as sequels and reboots in comedy so often do. This won't end up on a lot of all-time favourites lists, but you'll probably find few fans of the character who won't find it passably charming and an overall welcome comeback. I'd expect a lot of 6's and 7's in these reviews.… Expand

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InglouriousAndyMay 18, 2016

Joe Manganiello for Best Supporting Actor 2017. This movie is lovably odd and wacky, being a prime Pee-wee adventure. Not great, but a lot of innocent fun.

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