Classics: A Review of All Dogs Go to Heaven by Lauren Ennis

Family films are often dismissed as juvenile, sugary, and lacking in substance. During the 1980's, however, one studio set out to change the image of family entertainment. Over the course of sixteen years and nine films Don Bluth Entertainment Studios took family entertainment to some of the most magical, dark, and unforgettable places it has ever been. In the studio's 1989 All Dogs Go to Heaven the studio transported viewers through the dark alleys of 1930's New Orleans and the deepest depths of the human heart.  Over thirty years after its release the film relates a tale of redemption and friendship that continues to remind viewers why dogs truly are man's best friend.

The story begins with loveable con-man (or in this case dog) Charlie  escaping from death-row at the pound with the help of his loyal but hapless best friend, Itchy . Upon tunneling their way to freedom the pair celebrate with their friends by drinking and carousing at the local rat-track, where Charlie is reunited with his former business partner, Carface. It seems like old times until Carface calls out a mob hit on Charlie in order to avoid having to share their joint profits. After Carface has his henchmen carry out the hit  Charlie awakens to find that he has literally died and gone to Heaven. Rather than appreciate his good fortune at avoiding Hell after a life of crime, he immediately hatches a plot to escape Heaven and return to Earth, even though the angels warn him that once he leaves Heaven he can never return. When he learns that Carface has been using, Anne Marie, an orphaned child who can talk to animals to fix races he hatches a plan to exact his revenge upon Carface and make a profit along the way. The unlikely duo then set off on an adventure through New Orleans' criminal underworld and straight into viewers' hearts.

In an era of sequels, remakes, and generic imitations Bluth's work is more relevant and groundbreaking now than it was upon its release. His work throughout the 1980's took animation to soaring new heights and infused family entertainment with a depth that has rarely been rivaled since. Rather than falling into the trap of lecturing at young viewers or resorting to inane antics All Dogs Go to Heaven relates a surprisingly mature tale of its' hero's all too human failings and redemption. With the exception of Anne Marie all of the film's characters are morally compromised and yet only Carface is proven to be beyond redemption  As a result, the film's world surprisingly reflects the moral complexities of real life in a way that is still child-friendly. In this way, the film helps its young viewers to come to terms with their own faults as well as those around them while still reminding them of the importance of striving to overcome those faults. Even as it relates its tale of crime, punishment, and redemption the film still offers entertainment for the whole family. The film's criminal canine serve showcase whimsy and street-wise wit that kids will love while paying apt homage to gangland classics of the 1930's that are certain to appeal to cinema buffs. While the film was deemed a critical and commercial failure upon its release it has since gone on to become a cult classic, proving that you truly can't keep a good dog, or film, down. 

The film transports viewers to 1930's New Orleans thanks to its combination of animation and engaging voice acting. The film showcases Bluth's signature blend of traditional animation techniques and a modern gritty edge. The animation brings its setting to vibrant life and offers up some of the most expressive and original character designs in modern movie making.  The dogs in particular showcase the studio's skill as they show human emotion and engage in human behavior all while maintaining their canine characteristics. The vocal performances bring the story to vibrant life. Charles Nelson Riley makes for a hilarious henchman as Carface's hapless right hand dog, Killer. Vic Tayback channels Edward G Robinson to chilling effect as ruthless Carface. Dom DeLuise steals each scene in which he appears as Charlie's loveable comedic sidekick, Itchy. Judith Barsi embodies innocence and optimism in the final role before her untimely death as Anne Marie. Even in the midst of excellent supporting vocal performances the film belongs to Burt Reynolds as he infuses Charlie with a winning combination of roguish charm, street-wise wit, and bravado to rival James Cagney.

With the release of All Dogs Go to Heaven Don Bluth Entertainment Studios showed that even an old dog like the animated musical can learn new tricks. Through its inventive and intelligent script the film offers a story that will keep parents and kids equally entertained. The film puts the full artistry of Bluth's animation on display while its vocal performances infuse each of the characters with memorable personalities. Curl up with your favorite very good boy or girl and see why All Dogs Go to Heaven.