The animation, courtesy of Don Bluth's studio, is exceptional, and some fine musical moments are provided by Melba Moore.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
Charlie, who owes an obvious debt to Chuck Jones' Wile E. Coyote, comes equipped with one of the most expressive faces in cartoon history: Bluth keeps his features-ears, snout, mouth, eyes-in constant flux, a beautiful blend of line and volume that represents the pinnacle of the animator's art. [17 Nov 1989]
The New York Times by Janet Maslin
The appeal of character and story line here is thoroughly overshadowed by the various technical feats involved in bringing the film to the screen.
All Dogs Go to Heaven" has the right spirit, and its warmth will offset what for small kids might be some scary moments. But it does seem skimpy and warmed over. [17 Nov 1989]
Despite overlength, this acceptable outing has its moments, most of them in the second half. [17 Nov 1989]
Los Angeles Times by Peter Rainer
The animation is of variable quality; the story is a garbled pastiche of "Oliver Twist" and "Little Miss Marker;" the songs, including four by Charles ("Annie") Strouse, are eminently unhummable. [17 Nov 1989]
Washington Post by Rita Kempley
With 10 writers gnawing on it, there is little originality left in the story.
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
There is a lot of individualism in this movie, both in the filmmaking and in the characters.