Annie (1999) (NR, 1999)

common sense media says

A tuneful, joyous musical for the family.


parents & educators say

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.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Although tongue-in-cheek, Hannigan's cruel treatment of the orphans may disturb younger children.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Annie (1999)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why orphan stories are so popular. What other titles can they think of? What is powerful about these stories?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Alan Cumming, Kathy Bates, Victor Garber
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: April 11, 1999
DVD release: July 17, 2001
MPAA Rating: NR

This review was written by Michael Scheinfeld
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

 
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!

lexalolu
teen, 14 years old
 
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+

nadinepalomares
kid, 12 years old
 
none

MovieFan777
teen, 16 years old
 
A Musical Remake Outbeats The Original
This version of Annie totally outbeats the original, it will become a true family favorite.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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