Annie

The 1982 movie version of Annie was one of my favorite movies as a child. I have heard people criticize it many times calling it an overblown turkey, I do admit at times it does seem that way when I watch it now, especially since I am 22 years old now, but there is no comparison to this new TV version, while the 82 version may have been overblown, this new version is just plain dull and lifeless, I know they were trying to tone it down, but that doesn't mean you have to take all the personality out of it, this movie has neither wit nor humor. Aileen Quinn had spunk and energy, and a better singing voice than the Annie in this movie, when I saw her as a child I wanted to be just like her, the girl in this version didn't do anything for me. The other orphans in this movie are like cardboard cutouts they have absolutely no personality, you couldn't tell the difference between Molly and Pepper. The Hard Knock Life number which I absolutely love in the 82 version, is just flat out boring here, they just scrub the floor for 3 minutes while singing it. There is absolutely no character development in this version. Victor Garber is probably a fine actor but he is given nothing to work with in his role as Daddy Warbucks. I prefer Albert Finney in the 82 version. Warbucks meets Annie sings NYC with her and then wants to adopt her after 3 minutes. You never feel any bond between them. What is this movie trying to say? that when you first meet someone the way to form a bond is to perform a musical number together, and then they will want to adopt you immediately? I mean there should be some realism. Kathy Bates as Hannigan is okay, but cannot be compared to Carol Burnett who was hilarious in the 82 version, I don't think her performance was over the top at all. Alan Cummings was wonderful with what little he had to do, but I definitely like Tim Curry and Bernadette Peters better, they were sleazier and more villainous. The ending in this version was downright awful, they had Miss Hannigan pretending to be Annie's mother, instead of Lily. I mean they made the Annie and Grace into idiots in this movie, like they wouldn't be able to recognize her. Then they had Lily bring the cops in, like anyone would be that stupid, besides that FDR shows up with the cops, like he had nothing else to do, it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen!

I heard great things about this version but was very disappointed. Definitely stick with the 1982 movie version.

This one is a tough one to call when comparing to the 1982 version, however it is still very good in it's own right and is probably the *closest* transition from stage to screen this show will ever receive.

When comparing this to the 1982 theatrical version, it's easy to be a little disappointed. Kathy Bates puts in a good bid as Miss Hannigan, but it's impossible to tell whether the character is nicer or meaner than Carol Burnett's version. While Bates version seems nicer all around, she does not turn over a new leaf at the end nor does she oppose the murder of poor Annie.

Some notable omissions from this version include no Punjab or Asp, Rooster's "Cock-a-doodle-doo", the Hannigan-Warbucks "Sign" number, Annie's curls, and the emphasis on "Tomorrow".

Overall, it is an enjoyable watch, however if you are looking to see the very best version, I'd recommend the 1982 classic.

This spectacular new version of Annie is something nobody should miss. Songs like "Maybe" "Tomorrow" and "NYC" are just too good. This is what you call Movie Magic. Because I can't believe how amazing this movie is. It's even better then the orginal and half of that goes to little Alicia Morton who plays Annie in this irresistible remake of the all time classic!

A lot of the reviews are saying that this tv version of Annie was a remake of the 1982 film of the same name. This is simply not true. This version of Annie is a remake of the stage musical. If you have ever seen the stage musical you will realize that it is extremely different than the 1982 film.

That being said, those who have fallen in love with the earlier film will most likely not like this version. Those who are true to the stage musical will probably enjoy it. Falling in the latter category, I like this version better.

To me, Alicia Morton was superior to Aileen Quinn in every way, but most noticeably voice quality. Alicia has a great voice for the part. And I personally wasn't bothered by the fact that she had straight hair as opposed to curly. The rest of the orphans did great too.

Kathy Bates was also a standout. As much as I love Carol Burnett, I thought Kathy Bates did a fantastic job as Ms. Hannigan and Alan Cumming was a nice surprise as Rooster.

One last thing to remember is that since this was for tv, their budget was a lot smaller than a feature film. Taking that into consideration, I think Rob Marshall did a commendable job updating the play Annie for a new generation to view.

This movie was excellent!! I can't believe how some people can actually claim the 1982 version was better. This version followed the REAL plot closely. I would like to point out to the ignorant type that the 1982 version is NOT the original Annie. Annie was a Broadway play and the 1982 version absolutely ruined the heart of the play. This version wasn't perfect, but definately much better.

Beginning with Alicia Morton: She is a sensational Annie. A beautiful voice and she's way more toned down than Aileen Quinn was. She seemed to have a much better grasp on the character. Victor Garbor was also an amazing Oliver Warbucks. Albert Finney had his moments, but he had no heart or feeling until Annie did something about it. That's ridiculous. Mrs. Hannigan is not a drunk or whore or whatever Carol Burnette decided to do. Kathy Bates seemed like a human. She wasn't violent with the kids and it seemed at some points as if she even cared about them somewhat. Audra MacDonald was terrific as Grace. She had a georgeous voice and wasn't a complete loser like the Grace in the movie.

I noticed how in the 1982 version, Annie never sings "Tomorrow" in the actual movie until she's in the whitehouse. That's the biggest song she sings!! How can you take it out? Also, they add in the stupid "Dumb Dog" song along with "We Got Annie" and "Let's Go To The Movies" and that song Mrs. Hannigan sings with Oliver Warbucks. The recent version added in the ORIGINAL song "NYC", which is a favorite of mine. They did however take out "You Won't Be An Orphan For Long", "We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover", "Annie", and "We're Getting a New Deal for Christmas." Nonetheless, I was very happy to see "Something was Missing" back in. I thought Oliver should sing a song to Annie always.

The ending of the recent version was a bit different however. I was glad that they toned down the big old party at the end, though. What's up with the horses and fireworks and stuff? And then Mrs. Hannigan turns nice? Yeah, right... she woulda been arrested anyway. I did not really like how Lily St. Regis didn't participate in the scam. That to me seemed a bit odd. But, it wasn't terrible. Also, in the original stage version, there is almost no romance between Warbucks and Grace. That's where "Annie Warbucks", the stage sequel, comes into play. So both films were at fault there.

Either way, I think those who think the recent version wasn't as good as the original know absolutely nothing about the stage version. Also, I'll repeat, the 1982 version is NOT the original.