All Dogs Go to Heaven

I watched this movie mainly because I read on the net that it was Barsi's last film before her tragic death, but I discovered a heart-warming tale of friendship and love too! She really is the star in this tear-jerker movie. The movie itself isn't perfect, but is still better than people give it credit for.

The whole thing about heaven and sin was beautifully animated and sets up a rather deep spiritual side of the story about our main character, Charlie, a morally degenerated canine who learns some valuable lessons about friendship and caring. Charlie's rather initially meanspirited nature may turn some people off, and yes, his transformation is a little unevenly paced, but ends up being satisfactory.

The songs aren't especially memorable and to be honest, Burt Reynolds is an actor, not a singer. He and his sidekick, Itchy (Dom Deluise), do brilliant jobs, and in this movie Deluise wasn't over-the-top happy all the time. That was a delight. Carface is also a memorable and intimidating villain with a despicable agenda and matching voice of Vic Tayback. King Gator (Ken Page) was a little obnoxious, but very entertaining. But Judith Barsi is the shining star of All Dogs Go To Heaven. Her last movie, but she will always be Anne-Marie and Ducky.

All Dogs Go To Heaven is a recommendable animated movie with good valuable lessons in it. Maybe a little scary at times for the youngest viewers, but to hell with that! There's no harm done by showing kids movies with dark content as long as it has a purpose! And in my opinion, it has the most heart-warming ending in any Don Bluth movie!

It may not be his greatest movie due to a little confusing narrative, but it is really worth watching, both for you and your kids.