Annie (1999) - Movie Musical Review

The story of little orphan Annie is one that many of us have grown up with and if you are of a similar age to me (1995 babies raise your hand), the 1999 film adaptation by Disney may have been your first introduction to the famously optimistic little redhead. Personally, I remember watching this a lot as a kid.

Annie, played by Alicia Morton, is determined to find her parents and get away from the horrible orphanage she currently calls home. When she is incited to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Victor Garber), she discovers a new sort of family but orphanage matron Miss Hannigan (Kathy Bates) is determined to ensure that Annie does not get her happy ending.

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With her neat red hair (either straight or perfectly curled), different in style to the messy curls or plaits we now associate with Annie, Morton creates a sweet and innocent Annie, lovable from start to end. This Annie comes across as softer and younger than other movie versions with a little bit of attitude but perhaps not the spunkiness of the Annie’s from the 1982 or 2014 movies.

Victor Garber’s Warbucks is a balance of stoney-faced strictness and loving guardian, work focused but also excitable, and easily won over by the adorable Annie. With this being a film made by Disney, we do see a tidier, cleaner, even more family friendly version of the story here therefore it doesn’t reach the darkness of the 1982 and you won’t see Miss Hannigan with a bottle in her hand. Nevertheless, Kathy Bates’ Hannigan is sarcastic, humorous and just as wicked in her treatment of Annie and the orphanage girls.

This Annie adaptation, when it comes to ensemble casting, feels like a who’s who of musical theatre and television fame. Lalaine, perhaps best known as Miranda in Lizzie McGuire, played orphan Late alongside Sarah Hyland, Modern Family’s Haley Dunphy, as youngest girl Molly. Then there is the kind and elegant Grace, the PA to Warbucks, played by the amazing Audra McDonald who delivers perhaps the best ‘Tomorrow’ reprise you will hear.

Then, of course, there is Rooster and Lily St Regis, played with comedic flair, sass and brilliance by Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth, and now that is a double act.

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Whilst this Disney adaptation of Annie may be missing the grit, the threat and the residents to New York residents living on hard times that see in other movie versions, it is still the story that we all know and love. It is a tale of finding a place to belong, friendship and the hope that the sun will come out tomorrow, and a wonderful way to introduce new generations to the story from the comfort of your own home.

I watched Annie (1999) on Disney Plus.