Gwendylan {clicked, just to be SURE! ya just nevver knoww}This production was an incredible waste of superbly gifted performers, everywhere from stage and big screen, to small screen! From the fantastic stage actor, Victor Garber, and Kathy Bates; she being the brightest spot in the whole production--a refreshing wellspring of fearless, tell-it-like-it-is talent; to the dynamic Audra McDonald, who I often saw while she was growing up, performing in stage plays in local theater back in Fresno, California. She shined technically, but not plausibly, as Grace.. she was just really, uncomfortably, out of place. I'm also quite a fan of the irrepressible Alan Cummings, he's always a giggle. Besides Kathy, and along with the girl who played Annie, he shined brightest, I think. Their parts weren't so affected by the gaping flaws in the film.For those who are too young to remember, or to have learned, what the time was really like, it might have been terrific! But for the rest us, who like productions such as this, with historic relevance, to remain at least somewhat intact, it was an endless barrage of "Why did they doo that?!"~ Start-to-Finish!As has been said, the music was tops. Okay, but you could put a tape/cd, the radio, or TV music station on and hear the same songs without the blatant, gagging, reality-bending, history-twisting PC baloney this piece offered--P U! Sure, there were a few glitches with the 1982 version.. Though the cast was terrific--Carol Burnett was a scrreeeam! {and that really was Tim Curry shushing down the banister, nO double!}--Some of Annie's little cast-mates were achingly posey and forced in a couple of the close- ups during dance numbers... and it may have gotten a bit heavy-handed, maybe, in a few places, but on the whole, it was light-years better than this mindlessly PC mess.Who knows.. If they can do this, maybe someday they'll do an all WHITE version of Porgy & Bess! Roots! West Side Story!..... Mmaaybe nott!~ -_-Sorry, Kathy, I love ya, but bad choice! BAD-BAD choice!!

kyle-cruse My comments on this film are being compared to the original Broadway play "Annie" rather than the 1982 film version, as I have been a fan of this musical since I first saw a live version of it. In that light, this is a great adaptation from stage to screen, as it mostly stays true to the original story and maintains much of that on-stage feel. This version brings back the song "N.Y.C," the great musical number that the 1982 version omitted. Perhaps the original version with Carol Burnett was more humorous and exciting than this film, but I actually like the feel of this one even better. It has that typical happy and innocent feel evident in many of my favorite Disney movies, such as "The Parent Trap." Unlike the original, all of the actors actually prove to be good singers as well, which is essential in a film like this. All of the songs are performed similar to the original musical, a great thing for fans like myself. Two things really keep this from being a perfect version of this story. First, one of my favorite scenes, in which Annie gets everyone at the White House to sing "Tomorrow," is not in this version. Also, Miss Hannigan pretending to be Annie's mother is completely different from the original story and is hardly believable. Nevertheless, I will overlook those two things because of the great joy this film brings and overall good job this adaptable does to one of my favorite musicals.*** out of ****

Balthazar-5 Like the ridiculous notion that Ridley Scott was ostensibly toying with a few years ago of remaking 'Citizen Kane' this re-adaptation of 'Annie' pales beside John Huston's magnificent film of this stage musical. However, Rob Marshall before 'Chicago' is clearly very much in charge of the theatrics, and his choreography and mise en scene is fine. The problem is simply in the casting. Almost without exception, the roles are, simply, too big for the players. In singing & dancing, Alicia Morton can stand beside Aileen Quinn, but not in charisma and screen presence. Victor Garber and, particularly, Audra McDonald slip further down the comparison ladder, as does Alan Cumming. While Kathy Bates is no Carol Burnett, however, she does give a certain gravitas to Miss Hannigan. Only improvement, as far as I can see is that Sandy makes a better mutt. For cinephiles, also, there is a major let-down in the substitution of the anaemic 'NYC' for the sensational 'Let's go to the movies' sequence in Huston's film. All of the above notwithstanding, if we remember it is only a TV movie, with all of the budgetary implications of that, it is an honourable effort, but why would anyone want to watch this rather that Huston's minor masterpiece.

chickenlegs92 I used to be obsessed with Annie when I was young and saw all of the movies and the Broadway show. Then, I saw that this film was coming out. I was so excited. I watched it and absolutely loved it. I think it is the best Annie film to date. Why do I think that? the acting. Newcomer Alicia Morton is adorable and has a fantastic voice. She does great in the emotional scenes and is tough at some times and sweet at others. Audra Mcdonald also gives a solid performance and plays the part of grace perfectly. Kudos to Kathy Bates for singing because in an interview I saw she said she'd never sing. She also was hilarious at Ms. Hannigan. Victor Garber, Alan Cumming, and Kristin Chenoweth also gave great performances. Oh and the orphans and Sandy were adorable! I recommend this film. Great for the family.