Paulie (1998)

Strong and Moving!

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

I don't know when talking animal movies started becoming rancid, underwritten, current culture stereotyping stomach bursters but this movie to me is the last in a great breed of them, right up there with fluke.I watched it this morning, I a 22 year old man with my 52 year old father sat through this entire movie for about the tenth time in my life, and i'm not afraid to say that I laughed when I was supposed to and I cried more than once.It's the story I mostly love, how he moves from being owned by a little girl to befriending a blind old lady to a Mexican immagrant to a thief and finally to lab and that it's told through beautiful dialogue and the cast is brilliant.This is one of the stories that has inspired my novel.Show this movie to your children, teach them about a time when computer animation didn't rule our screens and when good stories and subtlety was used instead of extemities.Teach them this saying "There are things in life you put off, because you think you're gonna do them later. But you gotta live like there may not be a later"

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

As an avid lover of parrots " I have an African Congo Gray" and have had many birds in my life, I had many reservations before seeing this movie. I was worried it would be another childish attempt to lure young kids into the theaters for nothing more then profit. I am happy to say I was wrong. From the opening frame, the movie takes on a beautifully painted portrait of the life of a Conure named Paulie and all of his relationships with humans, from his early days with his beloved owner Maria, through his many adventures in search of her, after he is taken away. I know I am speaking vague but, I do not intend to give any link to spoilers here. This masterpiece should be watched with no pre-know idea's. The acting, directing, pre and post production work are like a great work of art. Laughter and tears flow freely in this film for both child and adult alike. Paulie is one of the finest motion picture productions to date.

A sentimental story with a sentimental sound track. It's about a little girl ( with a voice impediment ) who treasures her green parrot Paulie. The parrot thinks and talks like a human being and gives help and advice to his constant companion.The parrot is definitely the star of the film. At times mischievous and at times in fits of depression the bird captures the mood in a most remarkable and expressive way. The synchronised voice too is very well done and within a minute or two you can actually believe that this intelligent little bird exists.Early in the film her father gives the bird to a pawnbroker and the subsequent scenes tell the story of Paulie's constant struggle over many years to be re-united with his mistress. One of the many memorable scenes is when he falls into bad company and is encouraged to spy on people using the automatic teller machines. Paulie it seems has a phenomenal memory.The ending is predictable, but who would want it otherwise. Children will love this film and anybody who keeps a bird as a pet will delight in Paulie's antics.