This is a really cute and sweet and funny movies for kids. It's also sweet and touching and witty movies for adults. It is a bit slow moving, verbose and serious at times, so younger tykes (under 7 or so) may not enjoy it - but for everyone else, it's a treat.

Another kid's film involving an animal, this is 100 times the movies "Babe" even hoped to be. Here we get a wise- cracking parrot with a heart of gold who only wants to find the little girl that he loves. Voiced by Jay Mohr, who also plays a supporting part here, Paulie is funny and clever and sweet. We grow to love this parrot and we care about his plight.

The whole film is set up very slowly by director John Roberts. He takes his time exposing us to Paulie through the eyes of Tony Shaloub (TV's "Wings"). Maybe Shaloub understands the caged bird as he is a Russian emigrant. That's what's great about "Paulie," even it's cliches work and we enjoy the symbolism of these two characters search for truth and righteousness and freedom.

Paulie tells his tale in elongated flashback but the stories are so interesting, it doesn't really matter how we hear them. The opening piece, with a little girl getting Paulie as a young pet, is sweet and sad. Newcomer Hallie Kate Eisenberg is cute as a button here and she really helps the story have a heart. It is important that we understand why Paulie cares so much for her and it is obvious here in the hands of this wonderful little actress. This sticky sweetness (and I mean that in a good way) is continued when Paulie meets Gena Rowlands. Their story together is quite wonderful and has a conclusion that breaks your heart. It's beautiful storytelling at it's best.

The film may take a bit to get to some extended comedy, but it's well worth the wait. The next segments feature Cheech Marin and Mohr. Wisely, the comedy is understated rather than broad and it works well continuing the heartwarming tendencies of the film. It's just a treat to watch these familiar and likeable characters interact with Paulie, who is really, just a simple parrot. Of course, several animation and computer effects houses worked on making this seem so, including Stan Winston.

"Paulie" may have some typical plot points and characters, but it doesn't matter. It has heart and sweetness and love of life and the beauty of friendship on it's side. This is a great film - as the cliche goes - for kids of all ages.

Note:

Also with Trini Alverado, Bruce Davison, Buddy Hackett, Bill Cobbs, and Tia Texada (Ruby/voice of Lupe).

Written by Lauire Craig, Music by John Debney. Songs by Tom Jones, War, and the Beegees. The film's characters sing a Randy Newman song.

Review written in 1998

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