 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Annie (1999)
- Review Date: April 13, 2005
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1999
Common Sense Media says
A tuneful, joyous musical for the family.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Annie finds out that her parents are dead, which could be emotionally intense for some children, and young children are advised to stay away, as Miss Hannigan's villainy may be a bit scary for them. Grade school kids might get antsy during the songs, but they'll love spunky Annie and her cute dog Sandy. The plight of 11-year-old Annie will captivate many preteens.
What's the story?
In 1933 Manhattan, feisty 11-year-old Annie (Alicia Morton) lives in an orphanage run by the dastardly Miss Hannigan (Kathy Bates), and dreams of someday finding her real parents. When Annie is invited to the home of billionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks (Victor Garber), the plucky orphan wins the tycoon's heart and he offers to adopt her. She resists, however, still determined to be reunited with her real parents. Spurred by the $50,000 reward that Warbucks offers, the conniving Hannigan and her unscrupulous brother pose as Annie's parents. But just in the nick of time, help comes from a surprising source -- President Franklin D. Roosevelt. When she finally learns that her parents are dead, Annie thankfully agrees to let loving Warbucks adopt her.
Is it any good?
This Wonderful World of Disney version is abundantly satisfying. It's short, sweet, and faithful to the stage play. Director Alan Marshall does a fine job of integrating the music into the story, the musical numbers are done in high style, but still feel spontaneous and unaffected. In her movie debut, Alicia Morton is spirited and natural as Annie, performing her songs with sensitivity and skill. Kathy Bates is perfectly cast as the greedy Miss Hannigan, while stage veteran Victor Garber is expert as the big-hearted "Daddy" Warbucks. And, there's a great cameo by Andrea McArdle, Broadway's original Annie.
Annie involves the misadventures of a girl, but the story holds equal appeal for boys, who will probably be charmed by the spunky redhead and intrigued by the imposter parents adoption plot -- and even began singing along to the songs! This is an Annie that the whole family can enjoy.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about why orphan stories are so popular. What other titles can they think of? What is powerful about these stories?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Parent
August 28, 2011
AGE
Less Curls, More Quality
If you're a musician, this is the one you want—the performers all did it justice. The arrangement of "NYC" is just terrific. And as a bonus, the revisions in the story line and the upgraded performances made the whole thing a little more more believable and considerably more enjoyable. So if curly hair is not essential, this is the one you want!
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
January 30, 2009
AGE
good movie
This was really good. It was heartwarming and funny. You really develop a sense of feeling for each character ( sympathetic for annie, hatred for rooster, etc.) I like Ms. Hannigan the best. I played her in our school production of this movie. The songs are catchy and fun to dance to. The cast of this is really talented. 5+
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A Musical Remake Outbeats The Original
This version of Annie totally outbeats the original, it will become a true family favorite.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A Musical Remake Outbeats The Original
This version of Annie totally outbeats the original, it will become a true family favorite.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
February 24, 2012
AGE
Good
Good
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Rob Marshall |
| Cast: | Alan Cumming, Kathy Bates, Victor Garber |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 90 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 11, 1999 |
| DVD release date: | July 17, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
