Paulie: Critic Reviews

It is something to behold.

Unusual and surprisingly agreeable.

The film is aimed at children, I suppose, although I don't think they'll like Paulie all that much. I didn't.

Shalhoub gives an impressively nuanced performance in the dangerously cliched role, and Paulie -- a combination of trained parrots, animatronics, and the voice of Mohr -- comes across as a fully developed character.

Paulie has moments of minor charm but lacks the magic to fully capture the imaginations of either children or adults.

A perfect family movie with the intelligence, humor and hug-me moments to be a great first-date movie, too. Just remember to bring a hankie.

The story is rooted in real feelings and relationships, and parents will find as much to enjoy as children.

True family entertainment that caters for grown-ups as much as for kids.

My head still throbs from being hit repeatedly with blunt life lessons.

Family viewing that soars

Its star is a very appealing little guy. Parents will be mildly amused, too.

Surprisingly enjoyable.

It features smart, emotional storytelling, skillful filmmaking and solid, yuk-worthy jokes.

Paulie isn't a complicated film, but it is heartfelt. And for a change, parents in the theater won't feel embarrassed by the things their children are laughing at.

Celebrates the deep ties of love and loyalty between human beings and animals.

Given the merits of the production, which is debut-directed by John Roberts from a script by Laurie Craig, this bird deserves to fly.