Paulie

Paulie (1998) is a family adventure comedy you can watch online on iFILM — the story of a talking parrot crossing America to find the girl who raised him.

Stuck in the basement of a research lab, Paulie tells his life to Misha (Tony Shalhoub), an immigrant janitor who takes pity on him. The bird can actually speak like a person, and that gift is exactly what keeps wrecking his life. He still remembers little stuttering Marie, the child he was torn away from, and he claws his way back toward her through pawnshops, roadside bars, and a cold laboratory. Cheech Marin, Gena Rowlands and Bruce Davison turn up along the route.

Director John Roberts keeps it old-fashioned and warm without tipping into syrup, and comic Jay Mohr gives Paulie his voice. It lands sadder than you'd expect from a kids' movie, and more honest by the end. A solid pick for family night with younger viewers. Stream Paulie (1998) online on iFILM.