[.ca] Annie (Full Screen) (ISBN 6305870187)

From Amazon.com:
Disney's 1999 TV production of the classic 1977 musical Annie is remarkable for its casting of stage actors rather than ratings trump cards. Tony winners Audra McDonald (Grace), Alan Cumming (Rooster), and Kristin Chenoweth (Lily) join four-time nominee Victor Garber (Daddy Warbucks) and Les Misérables veteran Alicia Morton (Annie) to tell the tale of the Depression-era orphan who gets a taste of the upper-crust life. Not surprisingly, they all turn in strong performances, and even Oscar-winner Kathy Bates acquits herself well in a singer's role, as the villainous Miss Hannigan. Perhaps best of all is the original title moppet, Andrea McArdle, making a sensational one-minute cameo as the Broadway Star-To-Be in "N.Y.C." Compared to John Huston's plodding, overly busy 1982 theatrical release, this production as directed by Rob Marshall (Cabaret, among other shows) is quite conservative; few numbers leave the confines of their sets, giving it the feel of a stage production. It is also more faithful as a whole to the Broadway original, though at a running time of 90 minutes it leaves out most of the historical context of the FDR administration as well as some of Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin's familiar songs, and makes a few plot changes, some of which work and some of which don't. Because of the omissions, this probably isn't a definitive film translation of Annie, but it's well paced for a young audience, and would be an excellent introduction to get children interested in live theater. Annie was produced by the team behind the 1993 telecast of Gypsy with Bette Midler, as well as 1997's Brandy-Whitney Houston Cinderella, and there are plans for many others. As Broadway shows are too often represented on video by inferior big-screen translations, this trend toward good, solid small-screen productions is most welcome. --David Horiuchi

real "CUTE":
A great film, fun cute and bright and sunny for the whole family.

What Was Disney Thinking?:
The 1982 version of Annie was my favorite movie when I was a kid, so after reading the reviews here I was very optimistic about seeing this Disney version. It turned out to be a huge disappointment and I really can't understand how it got any good reviews at all. Sure, the music was nicely recorded and the actress who played Annie was even decent for the role, but the script and other characters demolished any hope of a viable remake. Though many talented actors were present, they were casted terribly. Kathy Bates was nowhere near as good as Carol Burnette in the role of Miss Hannigan. Could she be less scary? The orphans seemed like such brats it made her seem more like the victim rather than the other way around! Also Victor Garber was incredibly unconvincing in the role of the cold hearted, money loving Warbucks. It didn't seem like he was even expected to try. They showed absolutely no development in the relationship between him and Annie so his immediate attachment to her came off as creepy. It practically appeared as if he was going to propose marriage, not ask to adopt her. This was a big mistake because one of the best parts of this story is how Daddy Warbucks starts out as a man so consumed with power and money but slowly realizes that there is more to life through the charm of a dirty little, somewhat homely orphan who would be the least likely person to affect someone of his caliber. None of the villains were even slightly threatening either which gave no victory to the plot in any of the conflict either. Because these elements were completely missing there was no point to the story. Let's not even talk about how ridiculously fast they wrapped up the ending. The historically inaccurate, P.C. portrayal of the 30's was also laughable. It's basically a complete waste of everyone's time so spare yourself the grief.

There's Nothing Like a Broadway Show:
I'm sorry but I think that both of the Annie movies are just theatre wanna-be's. I respect the fact that they are trying to get stars into the films and everything, but don't you think that it would have been a lot better if someone from broadway was playing the roles. Like Idina Menzel, or Christian Chenowith...the best singers are really on broadway.

Daughter LOVES it!:
My daughter, who is alomost 4, absolutely loves this movie. She wants to watch it over & over. We even had to buy the soundtrack to listen to in the car for her. It's much better than the 1982 version for younger children; it's a lot calmer & Miss Hanagan is not as mean. It can get a little annoying for parents, but kids love it.

Almost as good as the original; pleasing to watch!:
I thought that this movie is a great version of the classic story. Disney did a great job with the dancing and singing, and the acting was pretty good, too. Audra McDonald did a nice job as Grace, but I don't think it was logical for Oliver Warbucks (Victor Garber) to marry another race. The first Annie was much more realistic with that issue. Oscar winner Kathy Bates did an excellent job as the cruel Miss Hannigan, and Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth as Rooster and Lily are also good. The Disney version is more cleaner than the original, and it almost matches up to it. This is a great version of Annie to watch with your family!!