All Dogs go to Heaven (1989)
Keep your friends close…
Brief Backstory
After three successful movies, Don Bluth released All Dogs go to Heaven in 1989, the same year that brought us the beloved Prince of Persia and Defiance’s first album Product of Society.
Regarding the successes prior, this cult classic was not as successful as Bluth’s prior movies. Still though, it is beloved by many from the 1980s and 1990s.
Story
Charlie Barkin is murdered by Carface Carruthers and his thugs. Rather than hang out in heaven, Charlie betrays the laws of science (cheating death that is) and goes after Carface Carruthers, despite that he can’t return to heaven afterwards.
Random Facts
Posthumous voicework by Judith Barsi, who voiced Ducky in the Land Before Time (which I’d much rather watch.).
Produced by MGM, who also produced Secret of NIMH.
This is where the term “Big Lipped Alligator Moment” was coined. A reviewer said something like that.
Burt Reynolds, the OG Paul Wrecking Crewe is Charlie Barkin. Also the mayor of Steelport from Saints Row The Third (I don’t recommend that game though)
Dom DeLuise does a PSA for the Boys and Girls Club of America on the tape release after the movie ends.
Random Opinions
There is no dog heaven. At least I don’t believe in that one. Heaven’s for humans only.
Charlie Barkin looks almost identical to Chief from Fox and the Hound (which I find better but not by much), excluding the color of his fur. This makes sense given how Bluth worked on Fox and the Hound.
Doesn’t Anne-Marie look like Snow White – particularly the hair?
Pros
- Although not any better looking than Disney movies from the 70s and 80s, this still holds up in terms of animation.
- Decent villains.
Cons
- This movie is depressing, particularly during the ending. I found it too hard to go back and watch. Definitely not recommended if you’re a dog lover.
- The King Gator scene is pointless.
- Bad song numbers.
Rating: 4/10 – Poor
Hate to piss people off but this isn’t actually one of the better movies of 1989. Last Crusade, Batman, and even the Little Mermaid are better.
I don’t know if all dogs go to Heaven (or if they even do), but this movie can go to hell and back and back to hell and back.
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