Quelle Horreur! – modernizing the iconic 1982 version of Annie starring Aileen Quinn (Annie) and the incomparable Carol Burnett (Miss Hannigan) for 21st Century kids. Admittedly, I had the same reaction when I read that they were remaking the movie for a new generation.
But don’t worry, it’s a pretty good movie. All the characters are back. Jamie Foxx stars as the “Daddy Warbucks” character transformed into a cell phone billionaire and mayoral candidate, Will Stacks, Academy Award® nominee Quvenzhané Wallis plays the titular character, Annie but is now a foster kid not an orphan and Cameron Diaz takes on the Miss Hannigan role.
Quvenzhané Wallis (the youngest person ever nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) storms the screen with her charm, exuberance, portraying Annie in all her sunny outlookness. She is so adorable and perfectly cast. As the mom of a girl of color, I think it goes without saying that little girls of color have a new role model. That said, all girls regardless of color will love Quvenzhané and will be singing songs from the movie just like her.
Jaimie Foxx playing the billionaire, self-absorbed, I don’t need anyone tycoon, Will Stacks is funny and is actually not afraid to look silly in his scenes with Annie. I actually liked Cameron Diaz’s Miss Hannigan, she is appropriately mean and selfish to the Annie and her foster sisters. I liked that she had a back story as a failed 90’s pop singer (you will love the 90’s musical pop references) that explains her hateful nature. The movie has lot so fun moments and action scenes that will keep you engaged.
Annie is set in present day New York City action like another character in the movie. New Yorkers will love all the inside references like the Citibike and subway scenes bringing authenticity to the movie. I hate when movies are set in New York City but you can tell it was filmed on a studio lot. My daughter and I chuckled when Annie jumped on her Citibike reinforcing that she knows how to maneuver the city like a true New York kid.
Filmed at 4 World Trade Center – photo courtesy of Sony Pictures
This movie is truly for the social network age. Because Stacks saves Annie from being hit by a car, it is captured on social networks everywhere going viral and helping him improve his numbers in his quest to be mayor.
It goes without saying that the Annie signature songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” are part of the movie but have been updated with the help of music producer Greg Kurstin and superstar Sia. In addition, there a three new songs – “Who Am I?,” “Opportunity,” and “The City’s Yours” that the music team worked hard to blend with the iconic songs. Let me say that my daughter wants the soundtrack for Christmas that’s how good the music is.
I think the 2014 Annie will resonant with adults and kids alike as it still spreads that “Sun Will Come Up Tomorrow” can-do spirit, Annie’s ever present optimism and most of all the movie is about family. I definitely recommend the movie and think it will be a classic for this generation.
Annie opens nationwide December 19, 2014
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