In the opening scene of this modern update of the “Annie” story, a brainiac girl is doing a class presentation. She’s white, with red hair, and her name is Annie. When she finishes, the teacher asks the other Annie in the class (our young heroine, played by “Beasts of the Southern Wild” Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis) to come to the front of the room for her presentation. This not only catches the audience by surprise (and generates a few laughs), but it perfectly sums-up this 2014 version of the all-time favorite: it’s out with the old and in with the new.
Just as she did in “Beasts”, Wallis is delightfully charming, with an irresistible on-screen presence, as Annie, who makes it very clear that she’s not a Little Orphan, but a foster kid. As the film begins she’s living with four other girls in the Harlem apartment of demanding and frustrated caretaker Ms. Hannigan (played by Cameron Diaz). Annie hopes that one day her parents will come back for her, since they wrote this on the back of a restaurant receipt that she’s kept, along with half of a locket. Every Friday night she waits outside that nearby restaurant in case they return.
Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) is a cell phone company mogul and germaphobe who’s running for Mayor of New York City. Walking down the street one day, he sees Annie fall and picks-her-up just before a van runs her over. Captured on video, and immediately posted online, the rescue goes viral, instantly helping Stacks in the polls. For the good of the campaign, he invites Annie to lunch, and during a brief conversation, the idea of Annie coming to stay with Will for awhile is brought-up. “You want me to play Daddy?” (as in Warbucks), Will asks his campaign manager (played by Bobby Cannavale). This is exactly what happens. It’s going to take a lot for Will to change his negative attitude toward taking care of Annie, and she hopes that he will turn every “No” he has about life, change, and new experiences into a “Yes”.
“Annie” is a fresh makeover of a story we know all too well. Director Will Gluck (“Easy A”, “Friends with Benefits”), who also co-wrote the script with Aline Brosh McKenna (“Morning Glory”), nicely balances funny situations and clever dialogue (mostly remarks from Foxx) with a sweet and emotionally effective relationship between young Annie and Stacks. Wallis (who’s received a Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Golden Globe nomination for her performance) and Foxx have genuine chemistry together, even in the early scenes when they haven’t yet developed their friendship on screen. And there’s a well executed twist in the final half hour, which drastically changes the direction of the movie, that is both unexpected and welcome.
Joining Wallis and Foxx is Rose Byrne, perfectly cast as Will’s assistant, Grace. Like Will as a father-figure, Grace is a much needed and supportive mother-figure for Annie. Cannavale is solid as the obsessed campaign manager. And Diaz delivers a Hannigan who’s not nearly as wacky and over-the-top, or as prevalent in the story, as the trailers lead you to believe.
All the classic “Annie” songs are included, with modern tweaks, and most work. Gluck presents some unique takes, including with “Tomorrow”, which features Wallis walking through NYC, picturing happy families all around her. And when Diaz performs “Little Girls”, all five of the kids she takes care of pop-up throughout in the apartment. One of my biggest problems with “Annie” is how often the lips and the audio of the songs being performed do not match, particularly in the first half. It’s unfortunate, because it’s distracting.
There is an original song in “Annie”, “Opportunity”, that’s performed by Wallis (it’s also nominated for a Globe) and it’s great! Several music and Hollywood heavyweights are behind the film, including singer Sia, who wrote “Opportunity”. Jay-Z is a producer, as are Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. And some major entertainment stars make cameo appearances, including three during a very funny scene at a movie theater premiere.
“Annie” is rated PG for some language, several scenes of peril, a few adult references and moments where Diaz is holding a liquor bottle. This is a great choice for the entire family this holiday season. Contrary to initial speculation, this is not a warmed-over, money-grab remake, but a wholesome, good-hearted and very entertaining modern musical.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Annie” gets a B.