Paulie (1998) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Directed by John Roberts, Paulie (1998) is a charming family comedy that tells the story of a talking parrot and his adventures as he tries to reunite with his beloved owner. With a cast led by Tony Shalhoub, Gena Rowlands, and Jay Mohr, the film combines humor, heart, and a bit of whimsy. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s key elements and provide information on where to watch it online, especially in the U.S.
Plot Summary
Paulie follows the story of a talking African Grey parrot named Paulie (voiced by Jay Mohr) who was once owned by a young girl named Marie (Hallee Hirsh). After Marie’s family moves away, Paulie is left behind and eventually ends up in various homes and situations.
The film unfolds as Paulie recounts his journey to a kind-hearted woman named Ivy (Gena Rowlands), who is intrigued by his story. As Paulie narrates his past, the film reveals his adventures and misadventures, including encounters with various characters who impact his quest to reunite with Marie.
Throughout the film, Paulie’s cleverness, charm, and talking abilities lead to comedic situations and heartfelt moments. The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bond between a pet and its owner.
Jay Mohr’s Performance
Jay Mohr provides the voice for Paulie, and his performance is a standout aspect of the film. Mohr’s vocal performance captures the parrot’s personality, combining humor, warmth, and a touch of sass. His ability to convey Paulie’s emotions and character traits adds depth to the film and makes the parrot a memorable and engaging protagonist.
Mohr’s voice work brings Paulie to life, making the character’s interactions and adventures entertaining and endearing. His performance contributes significantly to the film’s charm and appeal.
Tony Shalhoub and Gena Rowlands’ Roles
Tony Shalhoub plays the character of Dr. Reingold, a scientist who temporarily takes in Paulie. Shalhoub’s performance adds a touch of humor and complexity to the film, as his character’s interactions with Paulie lead to various comedic and touching moments.
Gena Rowlands portrays Ivy, the woman who listens to Paulie’s story. Rowlands’ performance adds emotional depth to the film, as Ivy’s compassion and understanding play a crucial role in the story’s resolution. Her interactions with Paulie bring warmth and sincerity to the film.
John Roberts’ Direction
John Roberts’ direction ensures that Paulie maintains a lighthearted and family-friendly tone. His approach to storytelling balances comedy with heartfelt moments, creating a film that is both entertaining and touching. Roberts’ direction captures the whimsical nature of Paulie’s adventures while highlighting the emotional bond between the parrot and his owner.
The film’s pacing and structure allow for a seamless integration of comedic and dramatic elements, making for an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience.
Themes of Friendship and Loyalty
Paulie explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bond between a pet and its owner. The film highlights the emotional connection between Paulie and Marie, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and the lengths to which Paulie is willing to go to reunite with his beloved owner.
The film’s portrayal of Paulie’s journey also underscores the value of compassion and understanding, as the various characters he encounters play important roles in his quest.
What Works Well
The film’s charming and humorous storytelling, combined with Jay Mohr’s standout vocal performance, makes Paulie an enjoyable family film. The film’s exploration of themes related to friendship and loyalty adds emotional depth to the story.
The performances by Tony Shalhoub and Gena Rowlands contribute to the film’s overall appeal, providing both comedic and heartfelt moments. John Roberts’ direction ensures that the film balances humor and emotion effectively.
What Falls Short
Some viewers may find the film’s plot to be somewhat predictable, as it follows familiar family film tropes. Additionally, the film’s focus on a talking parrot may not resonate with all audiences, particularly those seeking more complex or mature themes.
While the film’s humor and heartwarming moments are engaging, certain aspects of the story may feel formulaic or less original to fans of family comedies.
Where to Watch Paulie Online
For viewers in the United States, Paulie is available on several streaming platforms for rent or purchase:
- Amazon Prime Video
Paulie can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video, available in HD or SD formats for convenient streaming. - Apple TV (iTunes)
The film is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV (iTunes), and can be downloaded for offline viewing on Apple devices once purchased. - Google Play Movies & TV
Paulie is available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, accessible on a variety of Android devices. - Vudu
Vudu offers Paulie for rent or purchase in HD, providing high-quality streaming options for fans of the film. - YouTube Movies
You can rent or purchase Paulie through YouTube Movies, allowing streaming on any device that supports YouTube.
Is It Worth Watching?
Paulie (1998) is a delightful and family-friendly film with a charming premise and endearing performances. Jay Mohr’s vocal performance as the talking parrot adds humor and warmth to the story, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.
While the film’s plot may be familiar and certain elements may be predictable, its exploration of themes related to friendship and loyalty adds emotional depth. Overall, Paulie is a heartwarming and entertaining film that is worth watching for fans of family comedies.
Conclusion
Paulie (1998) provides a charming and humorous story about a talking parrot’s adventures and his quest to reunite with his owner. With strong vocal performances and a balance of comedy and emotion, the film offers an engaging and enjoyable experience for family audiences. With various streaming options available, it’s easy to watch this endearing film from the comfort of your home.
