Fantastic!

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

In a day and age when sex, violence and junk is sold to us as being entertainment, this movie shines like a beacon of wholesomeness. The story is fantasy, but the characterizations were charming. This is the kind of movie our children should be seeing. Adults might find it to be too simple of a story for their taste, it certainly does not have any "snob appeal". I liked it so much that I bought a copy for my grandchildren to view. They have watched it several times and always ask to see it again. It is not full of loud nonsensical noise as you would find in a lot of the cartoon and children's features that are being offered today. And it has enough appeal for parents to watch the movie along with the kids.

This movie is a children's movie; it's cheap, quick, made-in-Australia Discovery-channel-family-movie type fare, so set your expectations accordingly. It's not realistic, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, the budget is small and the production schedule is short. It's not "Babe". From that point of view the movie is enjoyable to watch. Jason Robards is obviously having way too much fun in his role. The animal direction is pretty good as well, and my hat's off to the macaw wrangler. The bird has all the best lines, of course, but John Goodman's stereotypical "rawwk, phwee-phyoo" overdub just made me roll my eyes ( though not as insulting as the smartass Brooklyn accent they used for Paulie...). The one point I found really outstanding about the film is the macaw puppet used in many scenes; it is very realistic when still, or talking in medium or long shots. A puppet was also used instead of CGI for many of the flying scenes. Owning a blue-and-gold macaw myself, I was quite impressed at this ingenuity on such a small budget. Watch it with your kids, watch it with your bird, set your expectations accordingly and enjoy.

I enjoyed this children's film - have a feeling that the new parrot film 'Paulie' has taken the idea from 'The Real Macaw'and rounded it out from a straightforward children's adventure movie to a full on family movie. Both films are excellent, but Paulie can be watched by everyone, whereas the 'Real Macaw' is definitely more of adventure film for the little ones.Both good family entertainment.

I really did not want to see this movie. But my kids wanted to watch so I sat with them. I'm glad I stayed. The affects and story line were interesting and my children liked it. Good enough for me. Use your kids to rent this one for yourself, or borrow some for the experience.