Parents' Guide to

Paulie

By Tracy Moore, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Talking bird on a coming-of-age journey with some peril.

Movie PG 1998 91 minutes
Paulie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Georgia R.
Georgia R. Parent
December 22, 2016
age 5+

Amazing film

I think some of the parents who have reviewed are a little insensitive to the face that there are a few words in here that may not be of there standards. There is never any real swears or rude things over than 'jack ass and up yours' and let's face it your kids hear worse in schools. This was my favourite film as a child and I always remembered it for the good moments and the birds travels not from 2 phrases. This movie was made in 1998 and film producers put in words like that so you can't complain years down the line. Let's just say if you're very sensitive then don't watch this movie! The story to this movie is quite humours for both adults and children. There are sad moments but with an overall feel good ending. And my child will defiantly be watching this when she is of age to understand the movie.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
lindsaym3
lindsaym3 Adult
May 22, 2015
age 9+

Inappropriate language

This movie sends a great message, however some of the language used might not be suitable for young children. Stupid and ugly are used often, and the word "jack ass" is also used. Proceed with caution when showing this in a school setting.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (6):

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

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