Based on Harold Gray's popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie, this beloved Depression-era story revolves around an optimistic moppet, her dog Sandy, and her benefactor, billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. Updated to the present with a multicultural cast, the sassy, spunky titular tyke (Quvenzhané Wallis) is here temporarily adopted by a cynical cell phone mogul, Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx), as a ploy to enhance voter appeal when he runs for mayor of New York City. At his side are his assistant Grace (Rose Byrne) and campaign manager Guy (Bobby Cannavale). Meanwhile, in Harlem, bitter, alcoholic Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz) takes in foster kids to obtain a monthly stipend from the city. Sensing the possibility of riches, she passes off imposters as Annie's birth parents. Superficially directed by Will Gluck (who hasn't a clue about helming a musical), much of the original music is unwisely discarded here, replaced by new songs from Sia, Greg Kurstin, and Gluck that are abysmal. One of the worst stage-to-screen adaptations, this is even more disappointing than John Huston's 1982 version. Here, the bling-besotted waif advises, “Save your dreams for good stuff, like shopping with an unlimited credit card.” Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include an audio commentary by director Will Gluck, a “making-of” featurette (15 min.), the music video “You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are the production featurettes “It's a Hard Knock Camp: Auditions and Training” (12 min.), “Moonquake Lake, on Set!” (12 min.), “A Day on the Set with Quvenzhané” (7 min.), bloopers (4 min.), Sandy outtakes (3 min.), the deleted song “Something Was Missing” (3 min.), the music video “Tomorrow Around the World” (3 min.), five sing-along tracks, a trivia track, a photo gallery, and bonus DVD and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a disappointing remake.] (S. Granger)
Annie
Sony, 118 min., PG, DVD: $30.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $38.99, Mar. 17 Volume 30, Issue 2
Annie
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