All Dogs Go to Heaven Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A deadbeat dog goes to heaven, steals a watch, and then exploits a little girl who can talk to animals for gambling money, only to learn that maybe, just maybe, being a good boy is actually pretty rewarding.

🍿 All Dogs Go to Heaven: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Casino Breakout and Revenge Plot

Charlie, a German Shepherd, escapes from a dog pound with his friend Itchy and seeks to reunite with his casino partner, Carface. However, Carface betrays him, leading to Charlie’s demise. This sets the stage for a tale of revenge and redemption as Charlie finds himself in a unique afterlife.

Return from Heaven

Despite being told that all dogs go to heaven, Charlie’s less-than-stellar record raises eyebrows. He finds a way to return to Earth to settle the score with Carface. Upon returning, he is warned he can never go back, adding stakes and urgency to his actions.

Anne-Marie and the Change of Heart

Charlie discovers Anne-Marie, an orphan girl who can talk to animals and predict race outcomes. Initially, Charlie exploits her ability for his gain, but gradually, he starts to care for her. The film explores themes of friendship, selflessness, and moral growth as Charlie confronts his past actions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Charlie (Burt Reynolds): A gambling, roguish German Shepherd who seeks revenge after being murdered but ultimately learns the value of selflessness and love.
• Itchy (Dom DeLuise): Charlie’s loyal but anxious dachshund friend and sidekick who provides comic relief and a voice of reason.
• Anne-Marie (Judith Barsi): An orphan girl who can talk to animals and becomes a catalyst for Charlie’s redemption.
• Carface (Vic Tayback): A ruthless pitbull and Charlie’s former partner who orchestrates Charlie’s murder to take over their gambling operation.
• King Gator (Ken Page): A flamboyant alligator with musical talent who aids Charlie and Anne-Marie.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Charlie: “You can’t keep a good dog down.” – Charlie sings this song after escaping from Heaven, determined to get revenge on Carface.
• Annabelle: “All dogs go to Heaven because, unlike people, dogs are naturally good and loyal and kind.” – Annabelle explains to Charlie why he was admitted to Heaven, despite his less-than-stellar earthly deeds.
• Charlie: “Goodbyes aren’t forever.” – Charlie says this reassuringly to Anne-Marie as he leaves for Heaven.
• Carface: “Morons, I’m surrounded by morons!” – Carface says this when his plans are foiled.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,800,000
• Domestic Gross: $27,100,027
• Worldwide Gross: $27,100,027

💥 All Dogs Go to Heaven Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’ as a kid and it always stuck with me. The characters were so expressive and the story, while sometimes dark, had a real heart. The scene where Charlie has that nightmare? Still gives me chills! But it’s the ending, with Charlie and Anne-Marie’s goodbye, that gets me every time. It really made me think about what truly matters in life, and that I think is pretty powerful for a ‘kids’ movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Don Bluth animation”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of redemption”
  • “Those who appreciate animated films with mature themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Death and violence”
  • “Gambling”
  • “Hellish imagery”
  • “Child endangerment”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “Don Bluth remembers Burt Reynolds’ dog voice & Dom DeLuise saving the movie with their improvisational banter and sardonic remarks, as their great duo as Charlie and Itchy, are more entertainmenting than most of what goes on in the feature.
• Cracked: “Dom DeLuise Had to Shame Burt Reynolds into Not Ruining a Beloved Cartoon is described with Barsi’s voice having the sincerity she gave in her performance as Anne-Marie feels like that of a genuinely innocent child who understands right and wrong and wants someone who will love and care for her.
• IMDb: “All Dogs Go to Heaven is a well intentioned albeit disjointed and somewhat jumbled hodgepodge with a mix of positives and negatives. For every intriguing and freshly new concept, luscious animation, likable character and fun filled song, there’s a competing sub plot, bad archetype, questionable filmmaking choice and weak execution that makes the experience feel all over the place.

Audience Reactions

Viewers love the emotional depth of the film, particularly the bittersweet ending.: Many appreciate the movie’s exploration of complex themes like redemption and sacrifice.

The animation style, particularly the character designs, is highly praised.: Lots of viewers were moved by Judith Barsi’s performance as Anne-Marie.

Overall Consensus: A darker animated film that tugs at the heartstrings, ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’ is a memorable and emotional experience despite some mixed reviews. The film is praised for its animation, soundtrack, and exploration of themes like friendship, sacrifice, and redemption.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Judith Barsi’s tragic death occurred before the film’s release, making it her final performance. The end credits song, ‘Love Survives,’ is dedicated to her memory.”
• “During production, Burt Reynolds was reportedly difficult to work with, and Dom DeLuise often intervened to smooth things over and maintain morale.”
• “The film’s dark themes and depiction of Hell were considered controversial for a children’s movie at the time of its release.”
• “Don Bluth originally envisioned a darker and more complex story, but pressure from the studio led to some elements being toned down.”

🖥️ How to Watch All Dogs Go to Heaven?

All Dogs Go to Heaven is available for streaming on various platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. Subscription services may also offer the movie periodically, so keep an eye on their listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed All Dogs Go to Heaven, you might like these similar films:

• An American Tail (1986): Another Don Bluth animated film with a focus on family, overcoming adversity, and heartwarming themes.
• Oliver & Company (1988): An animated film featuring dogs and cats in an urban environment, exploring themes of friendship and loyalty.
• The Secret of NIMH (1982): A darker animated film also directed by Don Bluth, known for its complex themes and mature storytelling.
• Coco (2017): Explores themes of the afterlife, family, and redemption with vibrant animation and music.
• Watership Down (1978): An animated film with darker themes and serious storytelling, appealing to fans of animated films with depth and emotional resonance.

🛒 All Dogs Go to Heaven Related Products

• All Dogs Go to Heaven [Blu-ray]: Experience this animated classic in stunning high definition. A must-have for any animation collector.
• All Dogs Go to Heaven Movie Soundtrack Vinyl: The movie soundtrack on vinyl offers a nostalgic trip back to the 80s. Hear iconic tracks and relive the film’s most magical moments.
• All Dogs Go to Heaven – Charlie B. Barkin Plush: A detailed, high-quality plush figure of Charlie, perfect for display or cuddling. Soft and huggable for fans of all ages.
• All Dogs Go To Heaven: The Series – Digital Download: Get access to the entire All Dogs Go To Heaven animated series for hours of fun and adventure.

🎧 Soundtrack

All Dogs Go to Heaven features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Love Survives” – performed by Irene Cara and Freddie Jackson
• “You Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down” – performed by Burt Reynolds
• “Let Me Be Surprised” – performed by Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Steve Reviews: All Dogs Go To Heaven (Part 2)

Ever wonder if ‘All Dogs Go To Heaven’ holds up? Steve’s review is hilarious and super detailed; he really dives into what makes the movie tick (or not!). You might be surprised by his take!

All Dogs Go To Heaven Is Surrounded By Death

Did you know ‘All Dogs Go To Heaven’ is actually REALLY dark? This video breaks down all the surprisingly heavy themes, and honestly, it’ll make you see the movie in a totally new light.

Family Guy – Not all dogs come to heaven

Family Guy making fun of ‘All Dogs Go To Heaven’? Of course! It’s a super quick clip, but it’s a funny reminder of how ingrained the movie is in pop culture. Definitely worth a chuckle!

✨ Rate