All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (G, 1996)

Charlie is bored in dog Heaven and wants to return to Earth. So when his old nemesis Carface escapes with Gabriel's horn, which has the power to open all locks and doors, Charlie and pal Itchy are sent to retrieve it. Charlie soon wants to enjoy his old hangouts, but he is only a ghost. So he accepts from Carface's friend Red the loan of a magical collar that makes him physical. But Red is really the Devil and wants to use the horn for his own evil ends. Charlie learns the error of his selfish ways when he befriends David, a young runaway boy. Charlie and his friends must muster the courage to foil Red's plan to imprison all heavenly dogs in his fiery domain.

All Dogs Go to Heaven's everydog, Charlie B. Barkin, is back in a sequel that's even more off-kilter than the popular original. In this bizarre coming-of-age story, Charlie leaves dog Heaven, confronts the Devil, and learns to be less selfish. ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN 2 is a fast-moving tale that will compel most viewers simply because it is so unusual. The characters have flaws that give them room to grow in the film.

The film may remind parents of former Disney animator Don Bluth, who animated the 1989 original. The film retains much of what made its predecessor a success. The songs are unfortunately lackluster, but the voice actors (including Charlie Sheen, Dom DeLuise, George Hearn and Ernest Borgnine) bring their characters to life.