Industry I
Having been raised on the classics, such as “My Fair Lady”, “The Sound of Music” and “Beauty and the Beast”, I can confirm that the draw to “Annie” is the cuteness factor (and to a lesser extent, the quality). Similar to the above musicals, all of which would seem to take after the beloved “Heidi”, “Annie” is about the joy and inspiration a special someone can bring to your life. In truth, the entire genre usually revolves around inspiration, depth of feeling and opening one’s heart (thru music, no less). Blessed with a star-studded cast, which includes the antics of Carol Burnett and the dynamo Tim Curry, “Annie” the movie, fails to deliver any solid laughs or depth of message, preferring to lean on its charm and ease. Unfortunately, in my accounting, a production with this level of pedigree and prominence must deliver on all aspects equally. Having failed to move me emotionally, or surprise me with clever quotes or nuanced writing, “Annie” can quickly lose appeal and viewer recollection. Compared to the moving orchestral performances, detailed scripts and meaningful plots of similar musicals, this film is only middling, and I look forward to a production that can one day do the title justice.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
11/05/24
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Joseph C
A low key musical filled with memorable songs and needful performances.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
06/14/24
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Kirsten A
I grew up watching this movie from 82. Some of the songs are the best. Many other songs should have been cut. The Rockettes scene is too long. Carol Burnett is priceless. Lots of stereotypes and script that didn't age well. And yet it's still a piece of nostalgia that makes me smile.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
05/02/24
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Killian M
Stop just stop this is the worst movie i have put my eyes upon Annie is so annoying same with the other characters never watch this movie
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
04/01/24
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Nathan E
Set during the Great Depression in 1933, the film features a 10 year old girl named Annie.
She resides in an orphanage run by Ms. Hannigan. Convinced that her parents are coming back for her, she attempts to escape.
One day, a secretary, whose name is Grace, visits the orphanage. She says that the rich man she serves, Oliver Warbucks, wants to have an orphan temporarily.
When Annie arrives, she is treated with high-class service. Although, when Warbucks gets home, he seems displeased by Annie, and wants to send her back.
Annie stays, and the bond between Warbucks, Grace, and Annie grow.
By the end of the movie, Warbucks starts to resemble a father figure. He asks Annie to stay with him, but she declines, and wants to search for her parents. Warbucks offers a 50,000 dollar reward for the parents of Annie.
Warbucks helps find her parents, but to no avail. Hannigan's brother, Rooster, and his girlfriend attempt to pretend to be the parents to claim the reward.
Rooster, the girlfriend, and Ms, Hannigan, are all caught and sent to jail
In the end, Annine is happy living with Mr. Warbucks
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/28/24
Full Review
J M
This cinematic version of the Broadway hit was pretty much massacred by critics upon its release. But call me a sentimental fool, but I think it's a pretty terrific musical! Ironically, the least successful aspect of the film is Annie herself. Little Aileen Quinn is giving it her all, but she frankly often comes across more obnoxious than loveable. Thankfully, she is surrounded by a rather extraordinary cast! Burnett gives a comic tour-de-force, and she would have been on my ballot for Best Supporting Actress of 1982. Ann Reinking is absolutely lovely, and her singing and dancing is exquisite. And Finney would never be mistaken for Pavarotti, but he becomes an ideal "Daddy" Warbucks. Some of the songs are better than the others, but there isn't a clinker in the bunch. And with the possible exception of an overly frightening climax in which Annie is the victim of attempted murder, this is a wonderful family film. I found myself smiling and tapping my feet throughout. Huston may not have been the ideal director for a musical like this, but most of the musical numbers are well staged and choreographed. I'm sure a certain amount of nostalgia taints my view, but as a self-proclaimed cynic, the fact that this movie fills me with joy is a testament to its success. I still find "Tomorrow" a bit unbearable, and some of the children can be headache-inducing, but I think this is an unfairly maligned musical, and I personally had a ball with it! - Jeff Marshall, Movie Blogger (Facebook)
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/17/24
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