Paulie

Paulie is a 1998 family comedy film directed by John Roberts. The movie tells the story of a wise-cracking, fast-talking parrot named Paulie, played by Haley Joel Osment as the voice of Paulie. Paulie is a rare, colorful African grey parrot, known for his exceptional intelligence and ability to mimic the human language. According to legend, Paulie was once owned by a young girl named Ivy, who taught him to talk and taught him to be the parrot he is today. But a devastating storm swept through the countryside, destroying Ivy's home and separating her from Paulie. The parrot, now lost and alone, embarks on a journey to find his beloved owner. The story begins with an elderly woman, Iola (Julie Kavner), taking care of a group of birds, including Paulie, who are being prepared for auction to become pets. When Iola dies, Paulie is taken in by a group of carnival performers who treat him poorly. Realizing he must escape, Paulie uses his intelligence and cunning to outsmart the carnival performers and begin his quest to find Ivy. Along the way, Paulie encounters various people, including a Russian janitor named Maxim (Bruce Davidson), who becomes his closest ally. As Paulie recounts his journey to Maxim, the audience is transported through a series of humorous and heartwarming flashbacks, showcasing the parrot's incredible adventures. One of Paulie's most significant encounters is with a charming con artist, a woman named Simone (Anjelica Huston). Simone is a charming, manipulative French woman who claims to be a world-renowned ornithologist, seeking to study parrots. However, her true intentions are unclear, and Paulie soon realizes that she might not have his best interests at heart. As Paulie travels through the countryside, he also meets a young girl named Tony (David L. Lander's voice as the talking parrot, not as the actual boy named Tony, though the parrot and the boy Tony are named after a real person, Tony is voiced in this film by an adult voice actor. though that's not the point of this correction), who befriends the parrot and helps him on his journey. Together, the three characters form an endearing bond, and Paulie finally begins to feel like he belongs. Throughout his journey, Paulie faces various obstacles and challenges, including harsh weather conditions, vicious animals, and even treacherous terrain. Yet, the parrot perseveres, relying on his intelligence, wit, and charm to overcome these hurdles. Ultimately, Paulie's journey leads him to a small town, where he discovers that Ivy, now an adult, has grown up and moved away. With the help of Maxim, Paulie eventually tracks down Ivy, who has moved to the city and is now married with children. However, when Ivy reveals that she is unable to care for Paulie due to her new family and responsibilities, the parrot realizes that he must find a new home. Moved by Paulie's determination and loyalty, Maxim decides to take the parrot in, and the two become inseparable companions. The movie concludes with Paulie finally finding a sense of belonging and acceptance, knowing that he has found a new home and a new friend in Maxim. Featuring a talented voice cast, including Haley Joel Osment, Anjelica Huston, and Bruce Davidson, Paulie is a heartwarming and entertaining film that celebrates the bond between humans and animals. The movie's unique blend of humor, adventure, and sentimentality makes it a delightful treat for audiences of all ages.