We had previously received a parcel in the post filled with some sealed, numbered boxes and a movie road map with details on when to open each box during the film. So we excitedly started by opening up the first box, which contained two Pee-wee Herman t-shirts for Kezia and Freddy and then began watching the movie.
Pee-wee Herman is an iconic American comedy classic from almost 30 years ago, set in the surreal, alternate reality 1950's town of Fairville. Big Holiday has resurrected the character for a whole new audience to enjoy. Pee-wee's zany, child-like view of the world makes his experiences seem bigger and more exciting than those of an average man, resulting in some classic comedy moments and quirky encounters.
Pee-wee's Big Holiday tells the story of his epic trek across the country to get to New York for the birthday party of Joe Manganiello (the actor from magic Mike and True Blood who plays himself in the film) following a chance encounter in Pee-wee's dad's diner when the super cool, manly Joe comes in for a milkshake. The pair share a strangely intense and more than slightly camp bromance that sees Pee-wee challenged to push himself out of his comfort zone. Pee-wee's sheltered and idyllic life in Fairville is turned upside down on his journey as he finds himself in a series of bizarre situations including being kidnapped by female bank robbers, almost getting married off to a farmer's daughter, getting caught up in the Amish community and falling down a well! Will he make it to Joe's birthday bash in time?!
Throughout the film we got to open our boxes and absolutely loved each activity. We shared milkshakes with Joe and Pee-wee in the diner, we chomped on root beer barrel sweets and Ruffles potato chips whenever the characters did. We played with squeaky balloons, waved a Fairville banner and wore Pee-wee friendship bracelets as we joined in with Pee-wee's journey to Joe's party.
Pee-wee is a man-child and an innocent, who takes on the world in this movie that is all about friendship, destiny and self-discovery. The humour is silly and a bit bonkers, with an added quirky charm and a sense of wonder. The cartoonish quality of the visuals appeals to kids and there are many crazy, off the wall moments that will get them giggling throughout. Fans of Pee-wee Herman will enjoy seeing the role reprised by actor Paul Reubens and will also be able to spot some familiar faces from Pee-wee's last movie the 1985 Big Adventure.
I love the idea of the interactive viewing experience, and it is something I am going to try to do again myself to make family film nights extra fun. You can watch Pee-wee's Big Holiday now on Netflix.
