Image from Wikipedia
You’re a nerd!
I know you are, but what am I?
You’re an idiot!
I know you are, but what am I?
I know you are, but what am I – I know you are, but what am I…Infinity!
My sister and I have Pee -Wee’s Big Adventure memorized. We could recite scenes line by line! Tim Burton’s masterpiece never gets old and I had the pleasure of watching it a few years ago at LACMA’s Tim Burton ‘s retrospective in conjunction with his exhibit. Watching again after all these years really brought back fun childhood moments, but also I felt a deeper appreciation for Tim Burton’s genius. Impressive that this was Mr. Burton’s first feature film as a director.
When I think of this movie, I see my family gathered around the TV in our old family room. In particular, I remember my dad enjoying this film each and every time we watched it. He would crack up and then ask my sister to recite lines from the movie and then crack up even louder. The innocence of those days – a time when movies, daddy and daddy’s girls were enough to bring happiness to a home. Life was simple back then.
One of my dad’s favorite scenes is the Tequila dancing scene in the bar.
The scene is: Pee-Wee ‘s is in a pickle and has to think quick on his feet. He stumbles upon a sketchy bar with a bunch of thug- looking biker dudes, The Satan Helpers. He went straight to the phone, but couldn’t hear the operator. He yells, “I am trying to use the phone!” That is enough to get The Satan Helpers’ attention and even more reason to get Pee-wee out of their private club. After kicking him out, Pee-wee clumsily stumbles on their bikes and causes them to fall – domino style. They couldn’t let him get away with it, so they bring him back in to let him have it. But, Pee-Wee asks for one last request – The Tequila dance.
My dad loves that dance. My sister and I actually learned to imitate Pee-wee’s Tequila dance per my dad’s request. For my dad, there was nothing funnier than the Tequila dance.
Now that I am older, I can look back at these moments and smile. It was fun being young and laughing at cheesy movies. It was even more fun spending time with daddy. I am lucky to have these memories.
So, if you want a big laugh, I recommend Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure – you won’t be disappointed! Oh, and if anyone asks you – “Be sure and tell ’em Large Marge sent ya! “
