Today’s quick review: All Dogs Go to Heaven 2. Bored with Heaven, Charlie (Charlie Sheen) jumps at the chance to go back to Earth to recover the Horn of Gabriel, which was stolen by Carface (Ernest Borgnine) as part of a plan by Red (George Heam), a demonic cat. With his friend Itchy (Dom DeLuise) in tow, Charlie searches for the Horn, but instead he finds David (Adam Wylie), a runaway boy, and Sasha (Sheena Easton), a dog trying to get David home.
All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 is a family animated comedy about a pair of dogs who return from Heaven on a very important mission. Tempted by the sights and sounds of San Francisco, Charlie puts the hunt for the Horn on hold so he can woo Sasha, profit from David’s performing skills, and otherwise enjoy his time on Earth. All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 is a fun extension of the original story, but it cannot match the original for quality and creativity.
All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 is a step down from the first film in a few ways. The animation lacks the same level of detail, opting for simpler designs and less lavish backgrounds. The story adds a few new concepts to the universe, such as the Horn of Gabriel and the devil-like Red, but otherwise it coasts on ideas from the previous film. The characters are also simplified, with less moral nuance to Charlie and less menace for Carface.
Even with these limitations, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 makes for a decent family adventure. The heart of the story is Charlie’s decision to help himself rather than return with the Horn, and while the conflict is less poignant than the original, it still serves its purpose. The action scenes don’t break any new ground, but they do keep the adventure moving. The same goes for the songs, which are not outstanding but never distract from the main story.
Overall, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 has limited appeal. It works well enough as a fantasy adventure aimed at a younger audience, and it avoids the worst pitfalls of animated sequels, but it does not do anything to set itself apart. The focus and the attention to detail of the original film are missing, and there are not great ideas or character moments to fill in the gaps. Those curious may want to give it a watch, but it is an easy movie to skip.
For a more robust take on a related premise, try All Dogs Go to Heaven. For a better animated sequel about animals helping a little boy, try The Rescuers Down Under.
[5.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115509/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for basic but pleasant family entertainment.