Well.... I wanted to like this but don't think it holds up very well in comparison to the Tim Burton film, which
really had some finely constructed sequences.  (Large Marge, the Alamo, etc.)  The old film featured a number
 of strong comic supporting actors. And it had a strong driving engine:  Pee-Wee's need to recover his bike.

I don't know Joe Mangienello, was not terribly charmed by him, and wondered why a friendship between him
and Pee-Wee should be the main thrust of the film. I'm still kind of baffled by that. The whole journey would
have made more sense to me if Pee-Wee was setting out to help a friend in trouble, or maybe seek out someone
he idolized.  This odd buddy vibe just didn't resonate much for me.

A subtheme of the Burton film was Pee-Wee's need to overcome his selfishness, which he does when he saves
a bunch of animals (and snakes) from a burning pet shop. Sure, that was a contrivance, but in Pee-Wee's ridiculous
 world, it worked. There didn't seem to be any comparable character moment for Pee-Wee in this film.  He falls
down a well and gets out of it.

Don't get me wrong, there were some cute moments. (Yes, the farm with all the daughters was fun.)  I just didn't
 work for me, overall.

Last Edited By: Colossus Rex Mar 25 16 11:45 PM. Edited 1 times.