Annie

I have to say, I am an avid Annie fan. I first saw the 1982 version, like most people and I loved it. I then saw the stage musical twice and loved that too. There were a lot of differences in the stories on the stage and on the film. Then I saw the 1999 version and I thought that it was great, about as great as the 1982 one but with better actors. I now have both film versions on video and I have seen both many times and I can honestly say that in my opinion the 1999 one is far better. The 1982 one is bigger, with more action and generally a larger production, but that is to be expected as the 1999 one was only a TV movie and with a much smaller budget. I like Alicia Morton a lot more as I think she is perfect for the part. Aileen Quinn was good for the spunky, tough side of Annie but she wasn't really very sweet and was not at all good vocally. One thing that has stood out for me with the 1999 version is the music and orchestration - I have never really noticed the quality of the music (not the vocals, the orchestra) in anything before this. Basically I love the 1999 version as I think it captures the story wonderfully. The 1982 version as also very good but they tailed off the original story too much and made too Hollywood-y for me, so I recommend the 1999 version overall.

This adaption of "Annie" is an excellent piece of film making. The casting,

direction, writing, choreography all come together in perfect balance to entertain people of all ages.

My only wish is that budget and time constraints would have allowed for the

entire original story and score to remain in tact. The Hooverville / "We'd Like to Thank You Mr. Hoover" sequence in the original stage musical was perfect in

showing the effects of the depression, as well as giving us the introduction to Sandy. I only hope that future TV musicals allow the time for the full production, much like the 1993 version of "Gypsy" starring Bette Midler.

I've noticed that some people have commented about the multi-racial casting

and how secretary Grace would never have been a black woman. Historically,

this is most likely correct, but again let's keep in mind that this is musical theatre and for people to just start singing with invisible musicians isn't very realistic either. I'm glad to see that Audra MacDonald was cast because she has the

perfect acting skills, personality and voice to play Grace. Even though many of these stories are traditionally "white", the ability to cast multi-ethnic roles only enriches the piece and is completely appropriate in our modern society.

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.

This spectacular new version of Annie is something nobody should miss. Songs like "Maybe" "Tomorrow" and "NYC" are just too good. This is what you call Movie Magic. Because I can't believe how amazing this movie is. It's even better then the orginal and half of that goes to little Alicia Morton who plays Annie in this irresistible remake of the all time classic!

This one is a tough one to call when comparing to the 1982 version, however it is still very good in it's own right and is probably the *closest* transition from stage to screen this show will ever receive.

When comparing this to the 1982 theatrical version, it's easy to be a little disappointed. Kathy Bates puts in a good bid as Miss Hannigan, but it's impossible to tell whether the character is nicer or meaner than Carol Burnett's version. While Bates version seems nicer all around, she does not turn over a new leaf at the end nor does she oppose the murder of poor Annie.

Some notable omissions from this version include no Punjab or Asp, Rooster's "Cock-a-doodle-doo", the Hannigan-Warbucks "Sign" number, Annie's curls, and the emphasis on "Tomorrow".

Overall, it is an enjoyable watch, however if you are looking to see the very best version, I'd recommend the 1982 classic.