Pee-wee's Big Adventure
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25

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  1. sadpanda
    Aug 11, 2011
    10
    I find it astonishing that this film, Tim Burton's directorial debut Pee-wee's Big Adventure, has such a low score here at Metacritic. Although I'm not the biggest fan of Burton's style and find his work to be mostly overrated, this movie is a masterpiece of camp that led to one of the greatest 'children's shows' of all-time, Pee-Wee's Playhouse. The deadpan humor never gets old..
  2. Zilcell
    May 12, 2012
    8
    I find it so funny. This movie has a different style compared to most comedies. Overall, the story here is thin ice, but the humor is great.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
47 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 4 out of 13
  1. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Stephanie Zacharek
    100
    Everything about Pee-wee's Big Adventure, from its toy-box colors to its superb, hyperanimated Danny Elfman score to the butch-waxed hairdo and wooden-puppet walk of its star and mastermind, Pee-wee Herman, is pure pleasure.
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  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Vincent Canby
    10
    Pee-Wee's Big Adventure is the most barren comedy I've seen in years, maybe ever.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    60
    Children should love the film and adults will be dismayed by the light brushstrokes with which Paul Reubens (one of three credited screenwriters, but star-billed under his stage name, Pee-wee Herman) suggests touches of Buster Keaton and Eddie Cantor.
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