An All Dogs Christmas Carol Review

 

A film in the vein of numerous other adaptations of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, All Dogs Christmas Carol roots the holiday morality tale in the franchise’s world (the show in particular). The shortest of the films and direct to video (even All Dogs 2 debuting in theatres!), how well will this match up to its predecessors in tone and story?

 

Things start off in heaven with puppy angels (with a dark realization that they died at that age) going to story-time with Annabelle. She draws them in with the promise of an exciting story of how Charlie and Itchy saved Christmas from her evil cousin Belladonna (from the show).

 

In San Francisco, the dogs are preparing for Christmas (with the TV show continuity in that Charlie and Sasha aren’t dating), the puppies disappointed at the “tropical snow” in the form of popcorn, but placated by presents from Itchy. Charlie and Sasha discuss how poor injured pup Timmy needs money for his operation, but things get ugly when Carface and Killer (Charles Nelson Reilly returning!) arrive.

 

They aim to collect debts from the dogs, using an evil dog whistle to force them to give all their bones. To add insult to injury, they even take the toys, food and Timmy’s operation funds. Charlie and Itchy promise to get it back, Sasha taking Timmy to his owner Martha.

 

Meanwhile, in a terrible disguise from the first movie (more bumbling than before too), Charlie and Itchy try and fail to infiltrate Carface’s hideout from All Dogs 2. After they crash into the house (the antagonists surprisingly savvy at stopping our heroes) they learn that Belladonna is behind the plan, intending to ruin Christmas and giving Carface and Killer profit from the hypnotized canines.

 

Charlie points out it’s too small to affect everyone, Belladonna revealing that she has a bigger version hidden somewhere, even her flunkies unaware of its location. Fire imps summoned by the devil dog chase Charlie and Itchy into the sewers. They meet Annabelle aboveground, reflected in a Christmas ornament, who gives them a miracle dog tag to help them acquire the whistle (but not just find it, since they have a pattern to follow)

 

Charlie wonders what to do, Itchy commenting that Carface is too much of a Scrooge to change, inspiring Charlie to concoct a scam related to said character.

 

Carface, irritated at Christmas (and Hanukkah) specials, kicks Killer out of his room, wanting to sleep before their midnight heist. But before he goes to bed, Charlie’s scheme begins by mixing “It’s a Wonderful Life” with “A Christmas Carol,” communicating through the TV that 3 spirits will visit Carface

 

Itchy is the first, taking Carface to the past, where he’s reminded of his family life, particularly his mother, who loved him in spite of his bad behavior.

 

We shift over to his first human family, who eventually had to give up on Carface after his destructive tendencies (peeing on the Christmas tree in particular) became too much. The criminal dog sings about how he lost his trust in people after the boy, originally covering for him, didn’t do so that night. He left the house and became a criminal, also explaining his hatred for Christmas, kicking Itchy out of his dream

 

Charlie assures Itchy they can still do this, even with Carface madder than before, the pair looking on at Alcatraz, clearly where Belladonna is, surrounded by evil red clouds

 

Sasha is the 2nd ghost, showing Carface how Killer enjoys Christmas, even getting his boss a blowtorch as a present, as the minion croons about how much he likes the holidays (also suggesting he has a family?), Belladonna also chiming in, both still clearly evil

 

Back at Martha and Timmy’s place, the puppy breaks a plate when playing with a stocking. But Martha takes the blame when her mother asks about it, stunning Carface. Timmy admits his wrongdoing, the mother forgiving him, Carface bewildered at the kindness

 

Sasha explains that the family is poor and Timmy, without proper medical help, will die this Christmas, Carface thinking they should help, feeling some sympathy for the pup

 

But after waking up, Carface recants, saying he’s not scared of the ghosts. A mouse causes a die to fall in a bucket, giving us the last bell (because time constraints and getting around clichés) Carface sucked into a comic speaking about his evil deeds

 

He’s guided to the bar by the Ghost of Christmas Future, where everyone’s toasting to Carface as we learn he’s dead (surprisingly callous about his passing). Charlie then reveals himself with a dapper jazz outfit and has an upbeat song about how Carface can still redeem himself.

 

The scene then shifts to Timmy, Carface seeing him and other dogs manipulated by Belladonna’s whistle in the near future. As Carface realizes he was wrong, he and Killer are taken away by Belladonna as midnight grows closer

 

Charlie, Sasha and Itchy, realizing they can’t just expect Carface to do the right thing, head off to find Belladonna, but give up after a brief search off-screen (painfully lazy protagonists!)

 

Belladonna gloats at her plan, nobody suspecting that the whistle is on Alcatraz (because no one can see the red storm of evil?), her imps pushing Carface and Killer to help with setup. Carface reluctantly pulls the switch, lightning powering the engine and the dogs of the city manipulated by the evil green energy.

 

But Carface, finally feeling guilt and regret, turns the lever off again, Belladonna forcing him to turn it back by force and melting the controls.  He then rushes up the stairs, grabbing the wire connected to the kite drawing the lightning and zapping himself and the machine, destroying it.

 

Belladonna is stopped by Annabelle (perfect timing), saying Carface has chosen good over evil. She uses a cloud to rain snow on the fire imps and as Belladonna tries to chase Carface and Killer, a mass falls on the devil dog as she disappears

 

Carface and Killer are sent back into the city by Annabelle, who congratulates them, the puppies happy to see real snow.

 

Charlie and the others are delighted at Carface saving Christmas, the former scrooge appearing to give presents with Killer (in reindeer gear pulling the sleigh). He even added more gifts to the bag and gave Timmy extra money for his operation, leaving to see his mom as the film concludes with Timmy saying that classic phrase he’s known for

 

Charlie, Itchy and Sasha, even as the heroes, are more supporting cast, Carface getting the development here, as an Ebeneezer Scrooge parallel, learning to appreciate Christmas more after the three ghosts show him the error of his ways.

 

Belladonna is the antagonist, reprising her role from the series as a replacement for Red. She’s not especially deep with her stereotypical devilish motivations and unlike Red, doesn’t even have the appeal of a Faustian contract, just actual evil to contrast with Carface

 

There are some oddly catchy, if a bit silly, songs, the first the worst in terms of being an obnoxious faux-Christmas song that gets mini-reprises throughout and the others intended to show character traits, working better for the film’s tone

 

It has that “Christmas spirit” as expected for an adaptation of A Christmas Carol and doesn’t fit with the previous 2 films, though if you wanted something like the show, this is right up your alley and works well in tone, like a 3 part special that they converted for direct-to-video.

All Dogs Go To Heaven Review

 

One of the earliest and well-known Don Bluth films, All Dogs Go To Heaven tells a redemption story of a con artist who opens up his heart to better an orphan girl’s life: but instead of a primarily human cast, we have talking animals! Quirky in the premise and heartwarming in the execution, will the tale of canines getting a second chance at life end how we think it does?

 

Things start off (in 1939, surprisingly) as we meet Charlie (Burt Reynolds) and Itchy (Dom Deluise), two dog criminals escaping prison. They return to the casino they used to run (rat races primarily) with Carface, who actually framed Charlie for death row, unbeknownst to them.  Carface convinces Charlie that he needs to get out of town with his share of the casino’s profits, but arranges his death, made to look like an accident by his minion, Killer, during Mardi Gras.

 

Charlie is shocked to find himself in heaven with an angel dog (called Annabelle in the sequels, Whippet Angel here) who reveals that all dogs end up here because of their good nature (hard to believe, considering most dogs gamble and steal), Charlie hating that things are so predictable. Restarting the watch in heaven symbolizing his life, Charlie is thrust back to earth, told he can never return

 

Itchy panics at first, still mourning, Charlie convincing him he’s alive by showing his fleas. The con-dog plans to get revenge on Carface, though Itchy says it’s too dangerous.

 

The pair discover the “monster Carface is feeding is an orphan girl named Anne-Marie who can talk to animals, letting Carface stack the rat race odds. Charlie, wanting to exploit her for his own gains, “rescues” her, Itchy still objecting.

 

Anne-Marie is excited when she hears they’ll be meeting horses at the race track and thanks God in her prayers, also asking for parents, before going to bed, Charlie tolerating her innocence.

 

The next day, as Charlie pushes her into talking, Anne-Marie thinks he’s no different than Carface. She changes her mind when he says they’ll share the money with the poor, as well as help her get adopted with new clothes. After learning who will win the race, the group steals some betting money from a couple that Anne-Marie thinks would be great parents, Itchy distracting them with a fake injury.

 

The three place the bet in an obvious disguise and win big, continuing this trend with other animal races (frogs and turtles) and kangaroo fights. Charlie recognizes Anne-Marie’s feeling left out, buying her nice dresses. Afterwards, they put together a casino made of junkyard stuff to compete with Carface. But Anne-Marie is frustrated, since they haven’t helped the poor or even looked for parents to adopt her. Charle placates her, saying he’s “seen the light”, clearly still lying

 

Carface, after learning that Charlie’s alive, nearly throws Killer into a piranha pit, but his cohort reveals he has a gun that they can kill Charlie with

 

Charlie delivers pizza to a church where a group of poor puppies are taken care of by a Collie named Flo. He sings a song about how good sharing is (suggesting that maybe dogs are good-natured at heart?)

 

Anne-Marie, asking about the wallet that Charlie has, realizes it was stolen. She goes up to the church attic, singing a song about wanting to have parents (sung by the same person who did Twinkle’s song in Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night). Charlie has a nightmare about going to dog hell, waking up to realize that Anne-Marie left to return the wallet.

 

At the couple’s home, Anne-Marie is treated to breakfast, asked about her living situation. As they discuss what to do, Charlie talks to Anne-Marie, saying goodbye, though she follows him into town.

 

Carface and Killer narrowly miss Charlie with the gun as he flees with Anne-Marie in tow.

 

The pair falls into a cavern and are taken away by savage rat servants of King Gator, who lives in the sewers. Thankfully, Charlie’s “singing voice” convinces the regal reptile to not eat him and sing a tune about their shared “talents”.

 

But Anne-Marie, sick from exposure to the dirty water, convalesces in the church, though Itchy, beat up by Carface and his goons, reveals their casino has been destroyed. He says the only reason he stuck with Charlie is their friendship, Anne-Marie a major risk overall.

 

Charlie, furious at Itchy accusing him of being soft, reveals how he’s just been manipulating Anne-Marie, who hears it all, running away and getting captured by Carface. Itchy takes her doll to the family, while Charlie goes to rescue Anne-Marie.

 

Carface sends his posse at Charlie, Anne-Marie in a cage over the piranha pit, while Itchy, with the help of local dogs, gets to Kate and Harold’s house, where (in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians fashion) they pull the humans in the right direction

 

As Charlie is getting tied to an anchor, he howls, drawing King Gator’s attention, the croc charging in, freeing his friend and breaking Anne-Marie’s cage

 

But as Charlie and Carface fight, they start a fire and the watch is nearly submerged. As he pulls Anne-Marie from the depths, he’s forced to choose between the two as the watch falls into the water. He decides to save Anne-Marie, costing him his life, while Carface is chased off by King Gator

 

Anne-Marie is saved and Charlie, fleeing from the “dog Satan” we saw in his dream, apologizes to her. A blue orb disperses the red hell aura, Annabelle revealing that Charlie’s sacrifice for the orphan means he can return to heaven. Charlie says his final goodbyes to Anne-Marie, telling her to take care of Itchy, rising into heaven as the film concludes by showing us Carface was eaten by the croc, turning back his own clock and returning to earth.

 

Our main characters are Charlie and Anne-Marie, Itchy the support (and sometimes comic relief), while Carface and Killer serve as the antagonists. There are some other characters of note, though they’re mostly for narrative progression and don’t have much personality of their own, flat compared to the others, like King Gator, Flo and the kids

 

Charlie has the major arc, initially self-serving, treating Itchy terribly and willing to exploit an orphan girl but becoming kind-hearted with Anne-Marie’s influence.

 

Anne Marie is the ethical compass that centers Charlie and is the ultimate reason for his change, not just a damsel in distress, but a saintly figure practically, having some agency of her own too.

 

Itchy is pretty much the bumbling sidekick, who eventually comes around in the end, serving as Charlie’s “replacement,”

 

Carface is the devilish villain, while Killer is more his bumbling sidekick (voiced by Charles Nelson Reilly, who did Hunch and Llort as well) going along with his boss’ demands

 

The theme of generosity and kindness, even self-sacrifice for others, is what you’re meant to draw from the story and it’s done well with Charlie’s growth into a dog worthy of the stereotypes

All in all, this is a fine film that’s aged well in the message and tells a great redemption story of a morally gray protagonist, something that, while clichéd if done poorly, is not only presented well, but has a fun twist in the talking animal subgenre. Check this out, and we’ll see how good or bad the sequel is eventually

All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 Review

 

A Don Bluth film sequel that led into a TV series (like with Fievel Goes West), I actually remember this from my childhood (also not having watched the predecessor, oddly enough). Set over 50 years after the original (because immortal dogs), the premise is less compelling with Charlie chasing a heavenly McGuffin and helping a kid that’s not an orphan and far less sympathetic than Anne-Marie. Will this be a decent follow up in the form of a pseudo-TV pilot or will it show how so many Don Bluth directed properties get milked for profit?

 

Things start up in heaven as Carface is making a deal with an unknown contact about an item. Later, at an awards ceremony, Charlie is shocked when Carface gets recognized as “most rehabilitated”. He rushes to the pearly gates when Itchy arrives, having choked to death on a chicken. Charlie introduces his friend to paradise, but sings about how it’s too perfect for him

 

Elsewhere, Carface steals the horn of Gabriel (using his award to cut the glass), but after getting through the gates, he knocks it off the cloud

 

Annabelle reports the horn’s disappearance and Charlie volunteers, the head angel thinking it could help him. She gives him one emergency-use miracle, explaining that only angel dogs can hear the horn’s heavenly tone and emphasizes he must retrieve it quickly. Itchy is sent along with Charlie, the newly dead dog protesting

 

Charlie, after arriving on Earth, wants to have some fun, Itchy insisting they should complete their mission. They discover that they’re invisible and intangible at a club, to Charlie’s frustration. After Sasha le Fleur, a lovely Irish setter, sings about how jaded she is about romance, Charlie is smitten with her.

 

But the pair is shocked to see Carface on Earth, able to be seen because of a special collar. He takes them to meet Red, who gives them their own, only working until sundown tomorrow. We learn that Red is a cat devil, singing his villain song to Carface as he notes his minion can’t find the horn himself, so Charlie is his best option

 

Sasha, after getting stiffed by the club owner, steals some food, Charlie covering for her and flirting, though she rebuffs him, running away. They follow her, finding out that Sasha is helping a kid, David. With the miracle (in the form of a kiss), Charlie allows David to understand Sasha, revealing he’s an angel.

 

David thinks that Charlie’s his guardian angel, explaining that he ran away from home, unwilling to acknowledge his stepmom. Charlie goes along with David’s dream of performing magic at Cannery Square, while Sasha ignores his flirting, saying he isn’t really her kind of dog, all the traits his opposite (plus an under the radar joke about “breeding”)

 

Meanwhile, Carface introduces Red to Alcatraz, to be used in some kind of plot involving the horn

 

Charlie sneaks into a police station to acquire the horn (where we also learn from David’s parents that he may have left because they’re having a baby), but discovers he can’t use his angel form to retrieve it. Having David pose as a blind kid, the plan goes south quickly, Itchy panicking at a police dog.

 

After drawing away cops with donut rumors and playing keep-away with the keys, they get the horn. David bumps into the officer who was talking with his parents, fleeing with Charlie and Sasha on a stolen moped while Carface and the policewoman follow

 

After they manage to escape, Charlie ignores Itchy’s pleas yet again, throwing the horn in a lobster trap and off the pier, still wanting to help David, even though it’s clear Charlie’s more interested in Sasha

 

David, with Charlie’s help, does his magic act, though it ultimately ends up failing, rain starting to show the tone shift, David unhappy. After seeing a family at the pier and Sasha reminding him of his deceased mom, David is convinced by the dogs that his family will still love him

 

Itchy gets some food, Sasha and Charlie having a sudden romantic number, Sasha taken by Charlie’s kindness to David, even though Charlie insists he’s lied to the kid about being a guardian angel.

 

As the sun goes down, the collars’ effects end, Charlie and Itchy disappearing. Charlie rushes to get another collar from Red, forced to offer up the horn as a trade.

 

Carface kidnaps David, using him as bait for Charlie to bring the horn to Alcatraz. After Red acquires and plays it, dogs are sucked into Alcatraz from heaven, including Annabelle.

 

Red grows more powerful, mildly annoyed by David’s sleight-of-hand tying his tail to a pipe. The group is split up, Itchy getting the courage to free his friends from Red’s claws

 

Charlie runs off with the horn, Annabelle saying he must play it. He narrowly avoids Red, tricking him into falling back into the prison. But Red tries to take David down with him, Charlie managing to play the horn and save everyone.

 

After Red is sent back to hell, Carface appears to have gotten off easy, but we learn that he traded his soul for his collar, Red’s minions dragging him down

 

Charlie and Itchy go back to heaven after leaving David to Sasha, but Annabelle reveals that Charlie’s kindness has earned him a chance to redeem himself on earth (so making a deal with Red damned his soul?). Itchy decides to stay in heaven, Charlie bidding him farewell (an interesting reversal of the last film)

 

David and Sasha happily greet Charlie as he returns (no longer an angel), David reuniting with his family and even convincing his parents to let the two dogs live with them as the film concludes.

 

Charlie is our lead again (though he reset from the previous film), learning not to abuse his position and think about his actions’ consequences on others. David is a secondary lead (like Anne-Marie) finding new appreciation for the family he has rather than seeking a new one

 

Sasha and Itchy function as support, Itchy especially in being the voice of reason that Charlie still ignores like before. We don’t know Sasha’s backstory, but see that she’s a jaded dog, but still a good influence like Itchy; the main difference being Charlie listens to her because he’s horny. I appreciate them making Sasha a woman with agency, even if her relevance to the story feels forced in leading to David

 

Carface isn’t the major antagonist here, more like his minion Killer this time around. His master Red, on the other hand, is the true malefactor and has an interesting twist of being a cat in disguise as well as a devil figure, utilizing the promise of easy solutions for his own gains

 

Thematically, it feels similar to the first film in Charlie learning to be good, just in a different context than before. With a significant rewrite, you could’ve avoided Charlie repeating his lesson and instead have Sasha be the jaded dog with a troubled past that learns to trust people. David’s family issues would have complemented that plot as well, not feeling forced into the plot.

 

The film is fair if viewed as a reboot, ignoring the continuity of the first film rather than trying to fit into an overall story (which doesn’t work, considering Charlie’s regression, among other things)

 

Overall, this feels too much like it was written to lead into the eventual TV series about half a year later rather than a genuine sequel to the original with Charlie helping OTHER dogs learn to be good instead. Watch if you’re a big fan, maybe and then check out the TV series (not me!) and then we’ll watch the Christmas special