Starring: Quevenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, David Zayas, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.
Directed By: Will Gluck

I’ve seen the original Annie, the Disney remake of Annie, I’ve been in the stage musical Annie, and I’ve directed the stage musical Annie for community theatre. I consider myself fairly versed in all things Annie. Obviously, this is a different interpretation than other incarnations, but I can appreciate the changes. Quevenzhane Wallis is just super likeable in her role, and Cameron Diaz is a good Hannigan (even if she could use some singing lessons). The girls in the orphanage are all solid, and underused. I couldn’t tell them apart. I have no idea who was Pepper or Molly.

Jamie Foxx is a nice twist on Oliver Warbucks. Obviously Warbucks is a silly name, it always was. I don’t know why they can’t keep the name though. I like the addition of David Zayas’s character in general. I think he’s replacing the laundry man who was a very minor character in the original, but since no one sends out for laundry, he now owns a grocery store.

The added song is awful. I hope it doesn’t get nominated for an Oscar just because it was in the movie. It’s terrible and it doesn’t fit. The updates to Hard Knock Life and I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here are both cool. Director Will Gluck (Easy A) did a pretty good job with a tough project. People were going to hate the idea of it from the beginning. The undeserved 4.7 on IMDB just goes to prove my point. Transformers: Age Of Extinction has a 5.9, and 300: Rise Of An Empire (my pick for worst of the year) has a 6.3. Haters gonna hate.

I enjoyed the film, but didn’t love it. I’d describe it as “pretty good”, and a nice movie to watch with the whole family. You could do worse, trust me.

FINAL GRADE: B