Synopsis
When a casino-owning dog named Charlie is murdered by his rival Carface, he finds himself in Heaven basically by default since all dogs go to heaven. However, since he wants to get back at his killer, he cons his way back to the living with the warning that doing that damns him to Hell. Once back, he teams with his old partner, Itchy, to prep his retaliation. He also stumbles onto an orphan girl who can talk to the animals, thus allowing him to get the inside info on the races to ensure his wins to finance his plans. However, all the while, he is still haunted by nightmares of what's waiting for him on the other side unless he can prove that he is worthy of Heaven again.
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Cast
- Burt ReynoldsCharlie B. Barkin (voice)
- Dom DeLuiseItchy Itchiford (voice)
- Judith BarsiAnne-Marie (voice)
- Melba MooreWhippet Angel (voice)
- Daryl GilleyDog Caster (voice)
- Candy DevineVera (voice)
- Charles Nelson ReillyKiller (voice)
- Vic TaybackCarface (voice)
- Rob FullerHarold (voice)
- Earleen CareyKate (voice)
Recommendations
- 88
Chicago Tribune
Charlie, who owes an obvious debt to Chuck Jones' Wile E. Coyote, comes equipped with one of the most expressive faces in cartoon history: Bluth keeps his features-ears, snout, mouth, eyes-in constant flux, a beautiful blend of line and volume that represents the pinnacle of the animator's art. [17 Nov 1989] - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
There is a lot of individualism in this movie, both in the filmmaking and in the characters. - 75
TV Guide Magazine
The animation, courtesy of Don Bluth's studio, is exceptional, and some fine musical moments are provided by Melba Moore. - 63
USA Today
Despite overlength, this acceptable outing has its moments, most of them in the second half. [17 Nov 1989] - 50
Boston Globe
All Dogs Go to Heaven" has the right spirit, and its warmth will offset what for small kids might be some scary moments. But it does seem skimpy and warmed over. [17 Nov 1989] - 50
The New York Times
The appeal of character and story line here is thoroughly overshadowed by the various technical feats involved in bringing the film to the screen. - 40
Washington Post
With 10 writers gnawing on it, there is little originality left in the story. - 10
Los Angeles Times
The animation is of variable quality; the story is a garbled pastiche of "Oliver Twist" and "Little Miss Marker;" the songs, including four by Charles ("Annie") Strouse, are eminently unhummable. [17 Nov 1989]
