An All Dogs Christmas Carol MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: -2 1/2

This direct to video release is the animated dog version of Charles Dickens classic novel, A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The story begins when Carface, a homeless street dog (voice of Earnest Borgnine), steals some money, which is to be used to help young Timmy (voice of Taylor Emerson) pay for an operation. Two angel dogs, Itcy and Charlie (voices of Dom Deluise and Steven Weber), must join forces with heaven to retrieve not only the money, but also the soul of wayward Carface. So, on Christmas Eve, Itchy and Charlie appear to Carface as the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Unfortunately, the pair find out that Carface is only the front man for a much more evil and sinister dog, Belladona (voice of Bebe Newiurth). And even though Carface may turn from his evil ways, Belladona has a plan to destroy Christmas. AN ALL DOGS CHRISTMAS CAROL is a fun, engaging video that will delight young viewers.

However, Belladona is portrayed as a witch and she is able to cast spells. Several times she does so and things catch on fire. Other times she emits a green haze that causes all the dogs to be hypnotized. She also calls up demons from the fire who chase Itchy and Charlie. She calls them fire imps, but there is no mistaking their occultic influence. There is some mild and moderate violence which is typical of many cartoons. Most of it consists of Carface falling or things falling on Carface. In addition to the demons, there is one other scene which might be disturbing for young children. Carface is hit with the dull edge of a knife and is put on an elevator heading to hell. He is surrounded by skeletons and devils who tell him he is going down. It's a shame that Dickens was twisted into this kind of an unacceptable mess. An All Dog's Christmas Carol is simply not appropriate for anyone, especially children.

Preview Reviewer: Sherry Oswald
Distributor: MGM Family Entertainment, 2500 Broadway Street, Santa Monica, CA. 90404-3061