Review: PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF Was a Beautiful and Captivating Tribute to Paul Reubens — GeekTyrant

Geek Tyrant

23-05-2025

I was able to view the two-part HBO Documentary Pee-wee as Himself ahead of its release tonight on Max, and as a lifelong fan of the Paul Reubens character, I was anxious to see how it was created, and what was happening behind the scenes.
I grew up watching and rewatching Pee-wee's Big Adventure , quoting it with my sisters and framing my own sense of humor around it. I watched Pee-wee's Playhouse, and I played with my drawstring Pee-wee doll all the time. Pee-wee was the pinnacle of humor and zany fun.
It was cool to see how this doc highlighted Reubens' upbringing, and he told viewers about the kids shows he loved, which influenced him when he made his series. He talked about his time at college and in the Groundlings, which allowed him to play and create tons of characters alongside some awesome colleagues you'll definitely recognize. Reubens took so many photos and videos throughout his life, it was like having a front row seat to his life and career, including the birth and rise of his biggest character, Pee-wee Herman.
But as with any great rise, there was also a fall. As a kid, I heard chatter about the trouble Paul Reubens had been in, but I didn't know the details, and I frankly didn't care. It didn't change the memories I had made in watching him onscreen, and it felt to me like it came and went. This documentary didn't shy away from the scandals Reubens faced, and he was open and honest about his struggles.
He was also funny in his interviews in a quirky and quiet way that really had me laughing. The end of the documentary was shaped by the fact that Paul Reubens passed away unexpectedly to most people, as he had kept his struggle with cancer a secret. I knew it was coming, but the footage chosen for the final moments of the doc did make me tear up.
My husband and I passed our love of Pee-wee on to our kids, and the day we learned that Reubens had died, my daughter said, 'I guess Pee-wee is on to his final adventure.' I'm glad his final months were unknowingly documented, and we were able to get a glimpse into his thoughts and memories before he was gone. This was a special watch for fans, and I hope you enjoy it.
Pee-wee as Himself parts 1 and 2 will air back to back on HBO tonight, Friday, May 23rd, and will then be available to watch on Max.