Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Talking bird on a coming-of-age journey with some peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Paulie
What's the Story?
A janitor, Misha (Tony Shalhoub), discovers a forgotten parrot in the basement of a research lab who not only talks (voiced by Jay Mohr), but understands, and listens. As Misha earns PAULIE's trust, he tells him the story of his long-lost owner, a 5-year-old girl named Marie, his years-long search to reunite with her, and the acquaintances he makes along the way, including Ivy (Gena Rowlands) and Ignacio (Cheech Marin).
Is It Any Good?
Paulie sounds like a recipe for disaster -- a talking parrot, a stuttering kid, and a bird on a very long road trip -- but it actually works. It's a sweet, charming film (featuring some great scenery shots) about a girl, her pet, and the exciting acquaintances he makes in his search to reunite with her that proves far more endearing and less cornball than it has any right to be.
In part, Paulie succeeds because there isn't a single hokey performance from anyone in this terrific cast, not even the bird, who has a natural, understated (if wisecracking) presence. (It's also hard to go wrong with anything involving Gena Rowlands.) Though this isn't a laugh-a-minute sendup, it's a rewarding, nuanced movie about friendship and loss for audiences mature enough to appreciate it. And, hey, on top of that, it's got a talking bird, which kids will love even if the heavier themes fly right over their heads.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about listening. Can you think of other movies you've seen that show the importance of listening to our friends' stories?
Discuss how animals should be treated in a research setting. Is there value in testing things on animals before humans?
Visit the library to learn more about animal training and communicating with different species.
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 17, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : October 24, 2017
- Cast : Bruce Davison , Cheech Marin , Gena Rowlands , Hallie Eisenberg , Jay Mohr , Tony Shalhoub
- Director : John Roberts
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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