This movie was excellent!! I can't believe how some people can actually claim the 1982 version was better. This version followed the REAL plot closely. I would like to point out to the ignorant type that the 1982 version is NOT the original Annie. Annie was a Broadway play and the 1982 version absolutely ruined the heart of the play. This version wasn't perfect, but definately much better.
Beginning with Alicia Morton: She is a sensational Annie. A beautiful voice and she's way more toned down than Aileen Quinn was. She seemed to have a much better grasp on the character. Victor Garbor was also an amazing Oliver Warbucks. Albert Finney had his moments, but he had no heart or feeling until Annie did something about it. That's ridiculous. Mrs. Hannigan is not a drunk or whore or whatever Carol Burnette decided to do. Kathy Bates seemed like a human. She wasn't violent with the kids and it seemed at some points as if she even cared about them somewhat. Audra MacDonald was terrific as Grace. She had a georgeous voice and wasn't a complete loser like the Grace in the movie.
I noticed how in the 1982 version, Annie never sings "Tomorrow" in the actual movie until she's in the whitehouse. That's the biggest song she sings!! How can you take it out? Also, they add in the stupid "Dumb Dog" song along with "We Got Annie" and "Let's Go To The Movies" and that song Mrs. Hannigan sings with Oliver Warbucks. The recent version added in the ORIGINAL song "NYC", which is a favorite of mine. They did however take out "You Won't Be An Orphan For Long", "We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover", "Annie", and "We're Getting a New Deal for Christmas." Nonetheless, I was very happy to see "Something was Missing" back in. I thought Oliver should sing a song to Annie always.
The ending of the recent version was a bit different however. I was glad that they toned down the big old party at the end, though. What's up with the horses and fireworks and stuff? And then Mrs. Hannigan turns nice? Yeah, right... she woulda been arrested anyway. I did not really like how Lily St. Regis didn't participate in the scam. That to me seemed a bit odd. But, it wasn't terrible. Also, in the original stage version, there is almost no romance between Warbucks and Grace. That's where "Annie Warbucks", the stage sequel, comes into play. So both films were at fault there.
Either way, I think those who think the recent version wasn't as good as the original know absolutely nothing about the stage version. Also, I'll repeat, the 1982 version is NOT the original.
