Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adventure focuses on self-confidence; some cartoon violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Birds of Paradise
What's the Story?
In BIRDS OF PARADISE, a little sparrow named Jack (Drake Bell) flirts with some attractive doves, but they shame him and insult him by telling him he's not special enough for them. Jack gets the impression that he needs to look different to be special, and when he finds himself in a barn containing paint cans, he paints his wings to make himself look exotic. Meanwhile, the "seventh-richest man in the world" has purchased a valuable exotic canary named Aurora (Ashley Tisdale). After Aurora escapes, she meets Jack and his friends, a pigeon named Vinnie (Ken Jeong) and a hummingbird called Skeeter (Jon Lovitz). She also meets a helpful bat, Rosie (Jane Lynch), who debunks Aurora's mistaken ideas about bats being vampires. As the rich guy hunts Aurora to recapture her, she and Jack learn some important lessons about self-esteem and trusting their friends.
Is It Any Good?
Birds of Paradise is voiced by some very talented actors, so the performances are a bit more nuanced than some animated adventures are. Kids will be entertained by Jack's attempts to swagger, and they'll warm to Aurora's sweetness. There's plenty of suspense in this movie, and some nice lessons, too. But Birds of Paradise is generally pretty average, with a fairly predictable plot and characters. Overall, though, this is a fine choice for family movie night if you have grade-schoolers who love animated tales.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about self-confidence. Why does Jack paint his wings? How are his feelings similar to Aurora's?
What did you learn about bats from this movie?
Learn more about birds, bats, and other creatures in The Animal Book.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 1, 2014
- Cast : Drake Bell , Ashley Tisdale , Jane Lynch
- Directors : Daniel De Felippo , Gustavo Giannini , Mychal Simka
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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