A Disappointing Continuation

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Did you watch Arrested Development; the greatest sitcom ever to air and then be unjustly canceled? Pete and Pete is a lot like that show. There are many quirky and unforgettable characters, plenty of guest stars that are retrospectively pretty impressive (Steve Buscemi, Michael Stipe, J.K. Simmons, Selma Blair, etc.,) heavily original writing, an enormous array of running gags, and the boot after three seasons. Essentially, the show is a chronicle of the childhood of two brothers both named Pete. Their adventures, though not always together or involving each other always parallel one another. Whether it be about Older Pete attempting to woo his best friend Ellen, or Younger Pete trying to take down some authoritative figurehead standing in his way, each episode flows beautifully. It's a show that is never at a loss for heart, and is always satisfying enough. More than anything, this is a show very much about fraternity. It's not always between the two brothers. Sometimes it's the weird kid they didn't know much about before, or about standing up for your best friends. Yes, there are elements of coming of age, and yes there are moments of romance, but none are as central as the idea of brotherhood. Unlike Arrested Development, this is a show for and about kids. There is no humor from incest or being an analrapist. There are situations that are both remarkably surreal, and almost always rewarding in some way. Though this show is quite ridiculous, it is not as self aware of its silliness as AD was. Like Arrested Development, it has a uniqueness that is unmistakable and endearing. This is a show for the nostalgic and the young at heart, or the literally young. It's simple for kids to live, and clever enough for adults to appreciate. This is what a family show should be. Though I'd like to believe that this is Nick's AD, this technically came first. So perhaps we this show to thank for other gems. Either way, it's something to behold all on its own.

If you compare "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" to other kids shows playing at the time, as well as now, nothing compares. Several of the competing shows at the time were "Clarissa Explains It All," "Hey Dude Ranch," and "Camp Idonwanna." Each of these shows had built sets and a never-changing cast. The scenes rarely or never deviated from their sets, and new actors were rarely introduced into the shows. Pete and Pete, on the other hand, filmed all over the place. Several different cities and neighborhoods, different houses, backyards, highways, the great outdoors, and more were used as sets. Top notch guest actors also appeared on the show over the seasons frequently as well. "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" is the most memorable kids show to date, and you should definitely check out the DVD box sets.

I remember when this was on Nickolodeon as one minute shorts. Then a few years later, it became a full blown teevee show. I pretty much based my life's philosophy around the Petes. Which was finding amazing things within the seemingly mundane. Which the show did with a flair unmatched in history. Honestly one of the best shows to ever air on television. In fact, I like it even better now than I did when I was a teenager. And the guest stars they had were amazing. What other show could boast the likes of Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, LL Cool J, Johnny Unitas, Frank Gifford, Adam West and many others? In fact, I'd say this show is one of the reasons why Nickolodeon was once one of the greats. One final note to the people who said negative things about this show and anybody else who hates this show: You people need to get cancer and die painfully because your opinions suck.

The Adventures of Pete and Pete were a massive part of my childhood, one of the shows I grew up on, in the same group with Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Ren and Stimpy.Pete and Pete was a wonderfully bizarre show, which may explain why I like it so much, being sort of weird myself. It reminded me of all the awesomeness of summertime, the fun with friends, and the Christmas spirit (a favorite episode of mine.) Me and my brother still joke about Endless Mike's ceramic cat and his love of Neopolitan ice creams. (I cannot watch Band of Brothers without my thoughts going to The Adventures of Pete and Pete.) The best episode was probably the one where Little Pete and his friends Wayne, Monica, and Nona travel all night to recharge his lucky penny. Bus driver Stu was hilarious in his insane ways. And Artie, the Strongest Man *pause* in the World! Bottom line: I love this show. I'm really happy to see it coming out on DVD, and I will be making a trip to buy it very soon. Rent it, buy it, check it out if it ever comes on TV again (for shame, Noggin!), but be sure you see this show!