The film follows the story of Paulie, a talking parrot with the ability to communicate with humans, voiced by Jay Mohr. Paulie recounts his life story to a Russian immigrant named Misha (played by Tony Shalhoub), who works as a janitor at a research laboratory where Paulie is being held.
Paulie’s story begins when he is taken from his owner, a little girl named Marie (played by Hallie Kate Eisenberg), due to his disruptive behavior. Separated from Marie, Paulie embarks on a journey to reunite with her, encountering various characters and adventures along the way.
As Paulie recounts his adventures to Misha, the film flashes back to various episodes in Paulie’s life, including his time with Marie, his encounters with a variety of humans, and his attempts to find his way back to his beloved owner.
Throughout his journey, Paulie forms close bonds with several humans, including Ivy (played by Gena Rowlands), an elderly woman who teaches him to speak, and Benny (played by Jay Mohr), a streetwise musician who becomes his friend and mentor.
As Paulie gets closer to finding Marie, he faces numerous obstacles and challenges, including encounters with greedy pet store owners, animal control officers, and unscrupulous scientists who see him as a means to fame and fortune.
In a heartwarming reunion, Paulie finally tracks down Marie, who has grown into a young woman. Despite the passage of time and the challenges they’ve faced, Paulie and Marie’s bond remains strong, and they are overjoyed to be reunited at last.
In the end, Paulie returns to live with Marie and her family, where he finally finds the love and acceptance he’s been searching for his whole life. With his newfound happiness, Paulie reflects on the lessons he’s learned and the friendships he’s made along the way, grateful for the journey that brought him back to the ones he loves.
“Paulie” is praised for its charming premise, heartwarming story, and endearing performances, particularly from Jay Mohr as the voice of Paulie. It’s a touching and uplifting tale that celebrates the power of friendship, loyalty, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.