I almost cannot imagine a better-cast "Annie" than this one, unless they could somehow get a time machine and bring young Andrea McArdle herself forward to reclaim the title role. Kathy Bates! Alan Cumming! Audra McDonald! Victor Garber as Daddy Warbucks -- maybe the best of all. The musical is regrettably simplified and shortened for its TV running time, but remains extremely enjoyable and, despite budget and set limitations, far livelier than the overwrought 1982 film. The songs are beautifully sung, and the production numbers are no less delightful for their simplicity. I wish that they could have filmed the full musical, as plotted, with exactly this cast; the result would absolutely have been the definitive "Annie." As it is, I think we are still waiting on the definitive version -- but this is by far the best yet. This is one of the things i watch every Christmas while wrapping presents: just an hour and a half of pure fun.
September 7, 2008When I was a kid I loved the older Annie that was made in the 80's. This one is not even half the movie the other is if you ask me. However, there are more songs, so I'm sure some people like that. The downfalls of this movie is mainly the cast. The little girl playing annie is cute, has red hair (but straight!) and can sing but she cannot act well at all. She is quite stiff with her lines and the girl in the old one was much better at conveying emotion. Ms. Hannigan is also less mean and threatning. They tried to sugarcoat her "cruelty" to the girls when it wasn't even presented as that bad in the old one, and Carol Bernet was naturally hilarious as she always was in the old version. I also don't like the Mr. Warbucks in this version, because he isn't as distant and cold as the other one is. Annie is supposed to be so sweet she makes the stern, hard, even scrooge-like Mr. Warbucks melt and become a caring father figure. In this version he isn't as serious or rigid as I think he should be. As I said, the music is good, but for a better all around movie, get the first one.
September 7, 2008This is the best Annie, ever!
The original brodway production in a fun filled musical movie that charms both children and adults.
This movie fallows the original classic story and has all the traditinal songs and senes. I love to dance and sing along to this movie virsion of the best classic browdway production, ever!
August 1, 2008 |  | Fun for the whole family! |  |
This is a very kid friendly version of Annie. It's nice to find a movie the whole family can watch together and not be afraid something will be inappropriate. My 4- and 6-year-old can't get enough of this movie! I don't mind watching it either. The songs are all so catchy!
July 6, 2008I got this dvd form my 17 b day from my mom and love it. I also have the music cd to.
June 18, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
Daily Birthdays
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