by Maison Kelly
I have been an Annie super-fan since I was five-years-old. I have every single line memorized, and I could probably (definitely) sing even the overture in my sleep. I absolutely adore this show. So naturally, when I heard there was a modern update coming out in theaters, I was thrilled.
And extremely nervous.
Musicals being translated into films are risky enough. The new Annie movie promises not only translation, but a complete revamp of the whole plot. Instead of taking place in 1933 during the Great Depression, the new Annie movie takes place in the present day. Instead of sticking with the original music, this Annie completely switches up the tunes and lyrics to beloved classics, and adds three new songs! They definitely took on a great task to please skeptical theatre lovers, but in my humble opinion, they definitely succeeded.
This movie is so good.
If you are unfamiliar with the storyline of the original Annie, it follows the life of one 11-year-old orphan named, crazily enough, Annie. Annie lives in an orphanage under the rule of the vindictive Miss Hannigan, until she is invited to stay in the mansion of the famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Though this setup is originally a publicity stunt, Warbucks actually finds himself growing to love Annie and plans to adopt her! This would be easy enough, until Miss Hannigan decides to team up with her con-man brother and his ditzy girlfriend to pose as her real parents. This creates problems!
The new Annie movie, starring Quvenzhané Wallis and Jamie Foxx, has a similar plot, but with a modern update. The opening scene begins with Annie at school presenting her project on the Great Depression, Hoovervilles, and FDR (go figure!). She leaves school to go to her foster home, still under the care of a very ill-suited foster mother, Miss Hannigan. Later in the movie, we meet Benjamin Staxx, a modern billionaire running for Mayor, and Grace Farrell, his trusty assistant. When the time comes for Miss Hannigan to swindle Staxx’s adoption of Annie, she teams up, not with her con-man brother like in the original, but with his campaign manager!
One of the most notable changes in this update is the complete rewriting and remixing of the songs. The famous, ‘Hard Knock Life,’ has many of the same lyrics, but its new hip-hop inspired instrumental track is definitely what makes the most impact. Though this a very stark contrast to the classic Broadway sound of the original Annie, this change just works. Though all of the songs in this movie are inspired by the dance music genre, it hardly ever feels out of place. And when it does seem a bit cheesy, you are smiling too much to care!
There are definitely changes in this update, but what stuck out to me was how much the changes added to the message. Miss Hannigan, usually performed as a one-sided villain, demonstrates a great character arc in this version! It is revealed that she actually has a desire to be a singer and actress, and has a big heart hidden underneath a lot of insecurity. Giving Miss Hannigan objectives and complexity adds much more depth to the plot. Another character typically portrayed as one-sided, Grace Farrell, sheds her polished exterior for a moment when speaking to Annie about her desire for friendship. And, of course, Annie dedicates her optimistic self to find a solution to that lack.
Speaking of Annie’s lovable character, Quvenzhané Wallis does a wonderful job of performing the many sides of Annie’s character. Whether bubbly, upset, determined, or motherly, she lights up the screen. The whole cast, despite some oddities, seems very well suited for this fluffy, yet inspiring film.
Are there some cheesy moments in this film? Definitely. Is it a cinematic masterpiece? No. But Annie is, and has always been, an enjoyable and uplifting story about persevering optimism and love that breaks barriers. And this modern update of Annie has definitely achieved this message.