Way, way back in 1985 a movie came out called “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.” I was vaguely familiar with the character, and had heard the name of director Tim Burton but really had no interest whatsoever in seeing it. In fact I was dragged, kicking and screaming to the theatre by a good friend of mine at the time. He swore up and down that it was funny, and that I was going to love it. Once we in the theatre, my friend was nice enough to loosen the chains (since they were severely chafing my wrists), but no so much as to allow me to escape. The lights went down and the movie started. Even now, almost twenty years later, I still can’t believe just how funny it was. Of course, since that time Tim Burton has become a household name, and I realized just what a hysterically funny guy Paul Reubens (a.k.a Pee Wee Herman) really is. I’ve seen him in numerous other films, even playing different characters and he has always surprised me (though thankfully, not in the same way he surprised a few folks in a theater a few years ago).

Due to the original film and the wildly popular TV show, “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” a sequel was soon in the making. 1988 saw the release of “Big Top Pee-Wee.” Here we are presented with a different side of Pee-Wee. He lives on a farm and raises animals, living a fairly simple life. Simple that is, until a circus blows into town (literally). Totally enamored by the circus’ star trapeze artist (Valeria Golina), Pee-Wee soon finds himself in all manner of oddball situations. Even his fiancé Winnie (Penelope Anne Miller) gets a bit jealous… imagine that.

Tim Burton left Pee-Wee behind and “Big Top Pee-Wee” was turned over to director Randall Kleiser. Kleiser had previously directed (among other films) “Grease” and the critically acclaimed “Flight of the Navigator” so it was a pretty safe bet that he would be able to handle Pee-Wee’s antics. And though the film doesn’t quite match the original in terms of overall style and laughs, it stands on its own with a charm all its own. Be sure to keep a lookout for Kleiser as he shows up in the film briefly as a popcorn vendor.

Paramount’s DVD release of “Big Top Pee-Wee” looks and sounds great, but it is seriously devoid of extra features. Not that I think every single film that ever gets released needs them, but it is always a bit disappointing when they are absent.

“Big Top Pee-Wee” is and incredibly silly movie as one might expect, but even though it pales next to “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”, I still consider it to be a thoroughly watchable guilty pleasure.

Directed by: Randal Kleiser
Starring: Paul Reubens, Kris Kristofferson, Susan Tyrrell, Valeria Golino
Extras: None
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, English Dolby Surround, French Mono
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 7/6/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG
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We'll give Big Top Pee-Wee a C+.