Paulie, a talking parrot, recounts his travels looking for his original owner to a Russian janitor who helps him to the end of his journey.
Similar titles
You May Also Like
Reviews
You won't be disappointed!
Load of rubbish!!
A different way of telling a story
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
I was attracted to this movie by Tony Shalhoub, (from "Monk"), who does a great job with his character's Russian accent. He plays an immigrant janitor who befriends a parrot who used to belong to a little girl. At first the parrot's lines are a little irritating, but the extended flashback is interesting, although inevitably without Shalhoub. The little girl's speech impediment ties in nicely with the janitor's troubles with English, and even the parrot's desire not to talk, even though he can. Overall it's a pretty decent film, especially if you need one with a language theme. And there's even a New Jersey joke. I suppose that the most disappointing thing is that Shalhoub ends up being a supporting character, but the succession of supporting characters that the parrot meets are some compensation, and Tony makes the moments that he does get, count. (8/10)
A talking parrot isn't a hugely imaginative idea for a new film, but Paulie turns a simple idea into a brilliant, heartwarming film that will delight the whole family. It manages to bridge the gap between sentimental trash and cruel harshness during Marie and Paulie's separation, and all the events in the film lead to a hugely satisfying emotional conclusion. The animal training is well-done - everyone will be affected when Paulie spreads his wings and flies for the first time. Paulie is a great character and should have received way more success, though this film wasn't a highlight of 1998, unlike Saving Private Ryan. This hour and a half will surely be an enjoyable one and one that you will remember. Paulie's story is a moving, sad, happy and interesting one - from the moment he is first seen to the moment he is united with his original owner, you will enjoy following him and watching him learning about friendship and the grim realities of life along the way. Not one to be missed if you have any kind of heart or emotion. 9/10
My husband and I just recently watched this movie again! It is a sentimental joyous movie about the love of a parrot for a little girl and his search to find her and meeting different people along the way of his travels. We are also fans of Tony S. and Gena Rowlands. They are bothfine actors. We are enjoying Tony on the hit series "MONK". I would highly recommend this movie to people of any age and cultures. It crosses the lines of ethnic and cultural backgrounds and shows the compassion of people willing to help one another in difficult situations. We just recently lost our peke after 14 yrs. of joy and smiles.........anyone who has ever had a pet of any kind knows the emotional attachment that is involved in owning a pet.......we are looking forward in the spring to going to an animal shelter and finding a lovable dog to share our lives with.....we hope our search will be worthwhile and once again we can enjoy some great fun in our lives. Shar or smileyfish says hello :-)<>{
Paulie is a fantasy of a littler girl or perhaps her recollection of what her youth was like growing up.Tony Shaloub executes a flawless performance as an Russian Scientist (PhD) who cannot find decent work in America. He befriends an isolated parrot while performing meanial duties of a janitor at a behavioral science lab.The chief Doctor is a bitter man, as Paulie, who can speak and fully comprehend language and learn, embarasses the Doctor, who later banishses him to the lower levels of the building, where Mikail (Tony S.) finds him.Paulie recants his life with Marie and how they lost each other. The quest begins to reunite Paulie with Marie, only more than 20 years has passed.The movie ends, some will say predictably, with Mikail reuniting Paulie with Marie. The story closes with the three entering Marie's home, where you can make the final your own choice.Great family film!