All Dogs Go to Heaven (G, 1989)

common sense media says

A barking romp too intense for younger children.


parents & educators say
  • 40% say violence is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are some cartoonish descriptions of death and intense scenes that may disturb sensitive children. The main character, Charlie, goes to Hell in one scene that is revealed to be a dream, and main characters, including Charlie and his buddy Itchy, die. The villain is eventually taken away and presumably eaten by a giant crocodile. Also, orphan girl Anne-Marie is threatened with death in a river of fire. Additionally, the film contains references to gambling, stealing, and smoking.

Positive messages: Uplifting message that people (and dogs) can always follow through on their word and be
redeemed.
Violence & scariness: Cartoonish violence, mostly implied; depiction of Hell. Villian presumably eaten by a giant crocodile. Main characters die. Orphan girl Anne-Marie is threatened with death in a river of fire.
Sexy stuff: Mild sexual innuendo
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking, smoking, but not presented as admirable.

More on All Dogs Go to Heaven

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about forgiveness and earning trust.
  • Families may also want to discuss why it's important to keep your word, as Charlie eventually did in the film. Why did Charlie change his ways? Why is it important to forgive people who earn your trust back?
  • Also, how could Anne-Marie's friends make her feel more loved and wanted? How do we make our friends feel loved every day?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Charlie B. Barkin (voiced by Burt Reynolds) and his pal Itchy (Dom DeLuise) break out of prison after being framed by Charlie's partner Carface. When Charlie tries to reclaim his share of the casino they ran, Carface has him killed. Charlie goes to Heaven, which he finds way too dull. He returns to Earth by stealing his life span watch. Charlie rebuilds his empire with the help of Itchy and Anne-Marie, an orphan girl who can talk to animals. Charlie uses her to get horse-racing information while emptily promising to help her find new parents.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

There are many odd segments in ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN that seem to complicate, not extend, the plot. But this doesn't seem to bother younger viewers, who enjoy having their shorter attention spans tweaked. The key of the film is its uplifting message that people (and dogs) can always follow through on their word and be redeemed. Despite his selfish deeds, Charlie eventually does the right thing, and earns back his place in heaven, while Carface is carted off, presumably to be eaten by a crocodile.

Many don't seem to mind the film's darkness, which is set in an urban world of poverty that couldn't contrast more with the squeaky-clean suburban normality of most kids' movies. It helps that the characters and backgrounds are drawn with entrancing style, and that the story isn't as grim as the setting might suggest. But more sensitive children may be disturbed by the depiction of death and violence.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Don Bluth
Cast: Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Loni Anderson
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 84 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1989
DVD release: March 6, 2001
MPAA Rating: G

This review was written by M. Faust
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 40% say violence is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

personator
teen, 14 years old
 
I've always thought much of this movie was pretty dark, like when Carface burned Charlie's casino. Charlie also took Anne-Marie in for the simple purpose of winning bets. Carface can get pretty scary and there's at least one scene I know of that he had a cigar in his mouth. All that being said, this movie is really good if you and your kid can take darker themes and some violence.

phineasandferbfan
kid, 11 years old
 
All Dogs Go To Heaven: The Series
I love both movies and I love the show series! The show is called All Dogs Go To Heaven: The Series and is amazing!

 
this movie scared me when I was little
It's too graphic for little kids; it really scared me when I was young.

arthur16morgana
teen, 16 years old
 
i love this movie! one of my faves! i always cry in it!!

 
I have loved this movie ever since I first viewed it when I was younger. That being said I don't think it's appropriate for young children. There's a lot going on here and not all of it is that good. Gambling, lying, arson and death, could in some parents eyes overshadow all the good in the movie. But there are positive messages too, and I think that older children will enjoy this movie.

96grlpowrCE
teen, 16 years old
 
May be an interesting movie for pre-teens, but for little children? Nah.
I enjoyed this movie when I was a baby, minus the darker scenes, which scared me out of my wits. I'm not a parent, but I think it would be wise to watch this with your child and/or fast forward through the scary scenes if you plan on buying or renting this video for them. Pre-teens may get more enjoyment out of the movie and have more of an understanding of what the movie's all about.

 
This is for kids? I think not!
I cannot believe this movie is for kids. The movie is based on an orphan girl who has been kidnapped by dogs. She is "rescued" by the main character when he realizes that she can talk to animals. He "rescues" or shall I say kidnaps her from her kidnappers, so that she can see which rats are not feeling well. That way he can pick the right rats to win the rat races so he can settle his gambling debts- which he has already faked his death to avoid, but was found alive. There are many references to drinking, smoking, and gambling in this movie. In the end, the main character does the right thing, but do you really want your kids to see how far he had to come to get it right? Terrible movie.

kojitheman
teen, 17 years old
 
Great movie
The violence is a little over the top for a g movie. New rating: pg for some action violence, a murder involving a car, drinking and mild smoking, and scary images.

dramaqueen@hot ...
parent of 11 year old
 
yes children can watch it the age of 5 good age to see it!
the movie is cute children are aloud to watch it a very nice funny family film !

HiddenWolf
teen, 16 years old
 
A warning for sensitive parents with overly sensitive children, there is a dream sequence when Charlie, the main character dreams hes being dragged into the pits of heck. It might scare some kids and some can label it dark but thats what I like in kids movie :3. There is also lying and sexual innuendo but some good characters that make good decisions in the end.

Maplefrost
teen, 14 years old
 

the payton
teen, 14 years old
 
I love the movie all dogs go to heaven.

xXxTayxXx
kid, 12 years old
 
I remember watching this movie at my grandma's when I was very little. For some reason, it didn't scare me. Maybe I didn't get the plot. But, now that I do, I realize it's such a good movie. No matter how dark. It teaches a good lesson all in the end. But, the gambling and innuendos just show how a cartoon can be such a adult movie.. but kids 7+ will love this movie. Common Sense, you did just right on your review. Skip the scary or dark parts until your four year olds are older and can understand it more. ;) Better voices, better animation, better songs, and a better plot then the second one.. but.. I'd still recommend it.. without Sasha, it would be a fail. (Charlie's voice SUCKS. Annabelle's appearance makes me want to PUKE. Plus, the animation and plot is really bad. I bet there are 50 more sexual jokes in it then in this one. It's much more of a little kid movie. Like Balto's second or third sequel.) Just watch this one first!

ilovefall10
teen, 17 years old
 
loved the movie.

 
This movie is a perfect 10 in my book. This movie was funny, suspensful, and very powerful. This movie has the most powerful movie ever. It always makes me tear up because Anne Marie says goodbye to Charlie reminds me of the moments when I had to say my final goodbyes to past loved ones including my dogs. It brought back all of those emotions of loving them and never forgetting them but needing to move on without forgetting. Also Charlie does make a personanilty change from the beginning where he is just using Anne Marie to make money to the end when he actually cares about her and gives up his own live to save her life. Which is so touching, now that is the way I would want to die saving the lives of others like the firefighters, policemen, and paramedics that tragically died being a true hero on 911. Charlie is a true definition of a hero he not perfect not at all I mean he is involved in gambling and owns his own illegal casino but has a heart much bigger than the one beating away in his body.Charlie isn's a typical kid movie hero he has many flaws about himself which makes him more human not just some perfect fantacy with his older brother like sidekick Itchy who always tries to keep him in line but what Itchy tells him throughout the course of the movie eventually changes him from evil to good. And in this movie the villain is a true villain. Carface which is a play off the name Scarface is voiced perfectly by Vic Tayback with his rusty voice is so powerful and scary. He truely isn't a good dog and will do anything to kill Charlie I mean he framed Charlie and got him on death row (pound) killed him with his car, but Charlie came back to life, and eventually Carface kills him by threatening to kill the one person Charlie truely cares about Anne Marie and dies saving her. I do recomend the second movie not as sad or as good animation but overall a more uplifting and cheery movie. Charlie has same personality. R.I.P Judith Barsi (Anne Marie) Dom DeLuise (Itchy) Vic Tayback (Carface) Charles Nelson Reilly (Killer)

perfectionist
teen, 15 years old
 
Good movie
This movie is really good. It had some scary parts in it. But it's a good movie, I would highly recommend it.

Poison Ivey
teen, 17 years old
 
good
I remember seeing this when i was little, so i rented it and watched it again. Surprisly good, but should it only be rated G? Theres violence, lying, and drinking and smoking and stealing, but all in moderation.

daynajewel25
kid, 10 years old
 
Ok?
I think this movie supports a good message. Your little ones might be a little frightened at some scenes. So be cautious.

Dominicboo1
teen, 16 years old
 
Sweet Family Film With Some Scariness
It does have scary scenes, but from the title you can tell that it has to be a little dark. Violence- Carface runs Charley over, and kills him, but he comes back from the dead. The age that I recomend depends on what other movies your children have watched, and an age that I wasn't disturbed by.

yankee01
teen, 16 years old
 
funny
i like this movie but why is it rated g anyway.the dog drinks,gambles,and steals

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