Movie Review: Annie
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that there are some scenes of children
being treated badly, and a scary sequence at the end in which
Annie is in great danger. The overall message, however, is
positive and loving.
Families who watch this film can discuss the Depression, and even Roosevelt and the New Deal. And of course the catchy tunes lend themselves to a singalong.
Common Sense Media Review
This film of the Broadway musical is uneven, but its charms
take over by the end. The story is a classic -- spunky orphan
girl ends up adopted by bazillionaire, after winning him over
with her charm and positive attitude. The songs are a mixed bag
-- "Dumb Dog" is just not all that good, but "It's the Hard
Knock Life" is one you'll have stuck in your head for days, and
by the time Annie sings "Tomorrow" to President Roosevelt,
you'll be singing it along with her.
Some of the performances are outstanding, particularly Carol Burnett as the drunken Miss Hannigan, who runs the orphanage. Aileen Quinn, who plays Annie, is a fine singer but not much of an actress, which makes for some wooden moments. But the orphan girls are adorable, Ann Reinking does some spectacular dancing, and Albert Finney is wonderfully brusque but really an old softy as Daddy Warbucks.
Since ANNIE is a show that just about every little girl in the universe will be in at some time or another, it's fun to watch, to compare to other productions, and to sing along with. It may hold fewer charms for boys, who are simply not a part of the story. But by the end, with its car chase and daring helicopter rescue, it's just about impossible not to end up cheering for Annie.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
