Paulie

PG

Released Apr 17, 1998

1 hr. 31 min.

Kids & Family

Comedy

List

62%

37 Reviews

Tomatometer

55%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

A parrot at an animal research lab tells his life story to a janitor (Tony Shalhoub) who tries to help him escape.

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Audience Member

We've heard a parrot sat Polly wanna cracker but not this bird Tony Shaloub, Gena Rowlands, Bruce Davidson, Jay Mohr, and Cheech Marin A green parrot named Paulie befriends a newly hired janitor named Misha (this bird can actually speak human!) He's being held in an animal testing laboratory by Dr. Reingold but he views this animal as a failure Misha discovers Paulie's special ability but warns him talking out loud gets him into trouble Paulie then discusses his life story when he had an owner named Marie when she was a little girl but her parents wanted her to have actual human friends so they sold Paulie off Misha then decides to liberate him by setting him free and tracking Marie down even though it's been years Paulie comes across other colorful characters in the meantime This is a lovable children's movie about a little bird trying to find his way home It's funny cause Paulie is a sour mouth and he's afraid to fly but we love him anyways because he wants to go back to his original owner This is a harmless, inoffensive and cute animal picture An example of simple, emotional storytelling that's not too complicated and the adults will appreciate it like the kids

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/18/24

Full Review

Taylor C

It's a fun and very heartfelt movie, great for kids and adults alike. Unique without being corny.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/24

Full Review

Kimberly F

The reason I gave it, 4 star rating. Cause that bird is really cute, and the story is written out very well. I also loved other birds too. Since I'm not a bird lover, but they can be cute. As long behave themselves.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/05/23

Full Review

Ruby C

This is one of the few movies that makes me cry and smile…every time! A story about a little conure that finds himself lost and then found, traveling across the USA to find his first owner, Marie. This movie is a rare gem that I truly believe will win the heart of whom ever watches it ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

We've heard a parrot sat Polly wanna cracker but not this bird Tony Shaloub, Gena Rowlands, Bruce Davidson, Jay Mohr, and Cheech Marin A green parrot named Paulie befriends a newly hired janitor named Misha (this bird can actually speak human!) He's being held in an animal testing laboratory by Dr. Reingold but he views this animal as a failure Misha discovers Paulie's special ability but warns him talking out loud gets him into trouble Paulie then discusses his life story when he had an owner named Marie when she was a little girl but her parents wanted her to have actual human friends so they sold Paulie off Misha then decides to liberate him by setting him free and tracking Marie down even though it's been years Paulie comes across other colorful characters in the meantime This is a lovable children's movie about a little bird trying to find his way home It's funny cause Paulie is a sour mouth and he's afraid to fly but we love him anyways because he wants to go back to his original owner This is a harmless, inoffensive and cute animal picture An example of simple, emotional storytelling that's not too complicated and the adults will appreciate it like the kids

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/17/23

Full Review

Stephen C

F**k off, b****es!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

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John Roberts

Director

Gena Rowlands

Ivy

Tony Shalhoub

Misha Vilyenkov

Cheech Marin

Ignacio

Bruce Davison

Dr. Reingold

Jay Mohr

Benny

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Todd McCarthy

Variety

Paulie has moments of minor charm but lacks the magic to fully capture the imaginations of either children or adults.

May 12, 2008

Full Review

Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

Shalhoub gives an impressively nuanced performance in the dangerously cliched role, and Paulie -- a combination of trained parrots, animatronics, and the voice of Mohr -- comes across as a fully developed character.

May 12, 2008

Full Review

Globe and Mail

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 12, 2002

Full Review

Tracy Moore

Common Sense Media

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

Rated: 4/5

Mar 1, 2013

Full Review

Film4

True family entertainment that caters for grown-ups as much as for kids.

May 12, 2008

Full Review

Maitland McDonagh

TV Guide

The story is rooted in real feelings and relationships, and parents will find as much to enjoy as children.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 12, 2008

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

A parrot at an animal research lab tells his life story to a janitor (Tony Shalhoub) who tries to help him escape.

Director: John Roberts
Executive Producer: Ginny Nugent
Screenwriter: Laurie Craig
Distributor: DreamWorks SKG, United International Pictures
Production Co: Mutual Film Company, DreamWorks SKG
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 17, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.0M
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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