Over the weekend I’ve had the pleasure of watching Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday, hoping and wishing for a fun filled hour and a half. Dreams of the old television show danced in my head as I imagined the attractive Joe Manganiello adding his acting expertise to Paul Rubens’ whimsical atmosphere. I got myself comfy and bought some of my favorite snacks. The anticipation grew as I selected Netflix on my Xbox One and clicked play.

Unfortunately, my feelings at the end of the movie weren’t the same as the feelings I had when I first sat down. I now realize there is a reason why it has earned 3 stars on Netflix.
The movie begins with an E.T. look a like saying his last good byes to Pee-Wee, asking him to come with him to his planet and setting up the movie’s dilemma- Pee-Wee chooses to not try anything new and stay in a vicious repetitive cycle to the point where even the people of Fairville can plan around him. It wasn’t until Joe Manganiello rode his way into town, became fast friends with the protagonist, and asks Pee Wee to travel across America by himself to come to his birthday party. The usual “hitchhiking with the help of strangers” ensues and the adventure helps him mature just a little bit more.

Pee-Wee has always had a special place in my heart. In my eyes, Rubens has always been ahead of his time. In Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, he had a multiracial cast back when it still considered a novel idea. He taught us to laugh until it hurts, stand up for yourself and for others, and to always add some fun into everything you do. Some of the life lessons he conveyed in his show and movies are things most people, or even Hollywood for that matter, have completely forgotten about.

Maybe this is Paul’s way of rebooting his character, giving Pee-Wee Herman a fresh start in the era of streaming. Pee-Wee’s stagnant lifestyle could be symbolism for all of the years Paul Ruben wasn’t on the air, missing out on airtime because of his scandal in 1991. After all, it was during the height of his fame that his arrest happened. Even though this was not my favorite Pew-Wee movie, I appreciate it for what it is; a kick start to a new era of Per-Wee finally returning to his former glory.

I will say this about the movie, I did enjoy it. I laughed quite a few times and will add it to my movie collection, sitting it right beside my Pee-Wee on Broadway DVD. It was lacking something for me, but made me grateful for its existence non the less. It was a good movie, don’t get me wrong. I did enjoy myself. However, the film left me wanting more. Hopefully that’s the idea, and this movie is a gateway to a brand new series. With this movie now under my belt and yet another Pee-Wee filmed watched, I eagerly look forward to what lies ahead for the character’s future.