Paulie (1998)

61% of critics liked it
(36 reviews)
50% of users liked it
(42,509 ratings)

In the Babe tradition of talking animatronic animals, this comedy adventure gets underway when animal-research-lab janitor Misha (Tony Shalhoub) expresses concern for a Blue-crown Conure parrot named Paulie (voice of Jay Mohr) caged in a dank basement. Misha settles back as Paulie tells his life… More In the Babe tradition of talking animatronic animals, this comedy adventure gets underway when animal-research-lab janitor Misha (Tony Shalhoub) expresses concern for a Blue-crown Conure parrot named Paulie (voice of Jay Mohr) caged in a dank basement. Misha settles back as Paulie tells his life story, seen in flashback: When Paulie was owned by little Marie (Hallie Kate Eisenberg), the parrot helped the little girl get rid of her stutter. After Marie tried to teach Paulie how to fly, he wound up in a pawnshop owned by Artie (Buddy Hackett), where he got an education in one-liners. Paulie and Ivy (Gena Rowlands) learn Marie's family is in LA, so Ivy agrees to drive Paulie cross-country in her RV. However, Marie goes blind and dies. Paulie is forced to fly to LA, where small-time entrepreneur Ignacio (Cheech Marin), with an eye for talent, talons and tacos, puts Paulie to work as a dancer at his taco-stand, where Paulie gets a birds-eye view of a female parrot with pretty plumage. Unfortunately, researcher Dr. Reingold (Bruce Davison), convinced Paulie can bring him academic recognition, steps in with a false promise to link the parrot up with Marie. Betrayed, Paulie refuses to speak anything other than the standard "want-a-cracker" lines, resulting in solitary confinement. Misha, who knows why the caged bird talks, hopes to free Paulie for an eventual reunion with Marie. Animal stunt coordinator Boone Narr and Stan Winston animatronics brought Paulie to life. For another fine-feathered film, see Dean Riesner's Bill and Coo (1947); the film's all-bird cast (dressed in human clothing) brought a "Special Award" for producer Ken Murray during the 1948 Oscar ceremony. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: John Roberts
Written By: Laurie Craig
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 17, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Aug 3, 1999
Studio: DreamWorks S.K.G.

Critic Reviews

Todd McCarthy, Variety
Paulie has moments of minor charm but lacks the magic to fully capture the imaginations of either children or adults.
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.
Bob Heisler, Los Angeles Times
A perfect family movie with the intelligence, humor and hug-me moments to be a great first-date movie, too. Just remember to bring a hankie.
Louis B. Parks, Houston Chronicle
Unusual and surprisingly agreeable.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The film is aimed at children, I suppose, although I don't think they'll like Paulie all that much. I didn't.
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times
It is something to behold.
, Film4
True family entertainment that caters for grown-ups as much as for kids.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The story is rooted in real feelings and relationships, and parents will find as much to enjoy as children.
Ron Wells, Film Threat
My head still throbs from being hit repeatedly with blunt life lessons.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Family viewing that soars
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
Its star is a very appealing little guy. Parents will be mildly amused, too.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
Surprisingly enjoyable.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
It features smart, emotional storytelling, skillful filmmaking and solid, yuk-worthy jokes.
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
Paulie isn't a complicated film, but it is heartfelt. And for a change, parents in the theater won't feel embarrassed by the things their children are laughing at.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Celebrates the deep ties of love and loyalty between human beings and animals.

Read all 15 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A boring kids movie with another talking animal. At least the cast has some good actors, though.
Michael E

An extremely wonderful and sadly underrated film
Wahida K

Paulie is very adventureous Movie with an intelligent but too Naughty Parot. A tiny bit of everything in it. Some senti moments and lots of LOL moments.
Anthony L

The only ?talking animal? movie that I actually quite like.
Candy R

Movie about a talking parrot. Rubbish!
Sarah G

I really like this mianly because my younger sis loved it when she was 4.
Luke B

With so many talking animal movies, especially with ones as good as Babe, there really isn't a reason to choose to watch this. But at times it is quite funny.
Yinalí R

Cool funny movie.
Leo L

Great movie! A favorite!