Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Pee-Wee's quirky 1985 movie is a cult-classic among devotees of Paul Reubens' bow-tied alter ego. Although even preschoolers will likely find Pee-Wee's antics funny, there are some sinister dream sequences and near-fights that might frighten the youngest of viewers. Large Marge is especially scary. Elementary-aged kids, however, are just the right age to appreciate Pee-Wee's singular mission to find his beloved stolen red bicycle and to witness the various hilarious ways he manages to get out of scrapes without ever getting hurt.

Sexual Content

Dottie flirts with Pee-Wee and asks him out, but he declines. A jealous boyfriend thinks Pee-Wee is trying to steal his girl. Pee-Wee and Simon hug. In a movie-within-a-movie, the PW and Dottie (played by James Brolin and Morgan Fairchild) kiss while the real characters are finally on their date to the drive-in.

Violence

Pee-Wee has several pratfalls and nightmares and is involved in a few cartoonish bike and foot chases. Pee-Wee and Francis wrestle underwater, and Pee-Wee holds his head under, but neither of them is injured. A jealous boyfriend is bent on catching Pee-Wee and at one point shows a gun, but no one is hurt. A car appears to crash, but again, there are no casualties. In a couple of nightmare sequences, there are visions of potentially frightening clowns, devils, and dinosaurs. Large Marge may scare younger kids.

Language

One use of the word "crap," the titular phrase "burn in hell" during a Twisted Sister music video, and Pee-Wee's trademark "I know you are, but what am I?"

Social Behavior

Not many overtly positive messages, but Pee-Wee's persistence and resilience are rewarded. Also, the perspective of a child -- as personified by Pee-Wee -- is respected.

Consumerism

The Warner Bros. studio is shown (it produced the movie), as are concession candies such as Milk Duds.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

A scene occurs in a biker bar. Pee-Wee dances to the song "Tequila."