 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
All Dogs Go to Heaven
- Review Date: March 24, 2005
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1989
Common Sense Media says
A barking romp too intense for younger children.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
January 1, 2011
AGE
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!
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AGE
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.
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AGE
this movie scared me when I was little
It's too graphic for little kids; it really scared me when I was young.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
i love this movie! one of my faves! i always cry in it!!
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Kid, 12 years old
December 11, 2010
AGE
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!
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| Topics: | music and sing-along |
| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Don Bluth |
| Cast: | Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Loni Anderson |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 84 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1989 |
| DVD release date: | March 6, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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