Flash Movie Review: Annie
It seems as if more people and companies are playing some type of angle with their actions. For example take a look at the larger containers of juice that go on sale at the grocery store. They have those big, bold sale tags that draw customers to the product; but if you look at the cost per fluid ounce, the juice on sale is still more expensive than the smaller containers. Get a load of this; with two of the movie chains I frequent, I am a member of each one’s rewards program. One chain gives you $10.00 back for every $100.00 you spend on tickets and food items. The other one also returns $10.00 to you, but after you have see 100 movies. Now granted I may not be the best example since I see a ton of movies, but which rewards program do you think is the better deal? The thing I find most annoying is the 2nd movie chain example shows advertisements for their rewards program before the movie starts; touting it as if it were the greatest thing to come along since penicillin. As I said earlier, everything has to have some type of angle these days. UGLINESS may have been all around her, but it could not bring down her positive attitude towards life. Annie, played by Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild, 12 Years a Slave), was convinced good things would come her way. Her accidental meeting with businessman Will Stacks, played by Jamie Foxx (Law Abiding Citizen, Dreamsgirls), would prove her point; even if Will did not know it yet. Between stage, screen and television I have seen several versions of this classic story. This Golden Globe nominee had the most radical changes done to it in my opinion. For this comedic drama there was more of an emphasis on material things as Jamie’s character had all the trappings of a big time company’s CEO. My favorite character was Rose Byrne (Neighbors, Insidious franchise) playing Grace. And that is all I liked about this utterly lifeless film. In the worst case of miscasting I have seen in a long time, Cameron Diaz (The Holiday, The Other Woman) as Miss Hannigan was so dreadful; she had none of the wicked fun of past actresses who played the iconic role. The dance numbers were stale and poorly directed. I was so stunned by the dullness of this film. The new songs they inserted at the cost of some original ones were unmemorable; it was somewhat hard to think of this film as a true musical. I cannot recommend this picture because it felt like the producers’ angle was to play on people’s memories of the story, to get them into the movie theater.
1 3/4 stars
Posted on December 24, 2014, in Dramedy and tagged 1 3/4 stars, cameron diaz, comedy, drama, dramedy, family, jamie foxx, orphan, quvenzhane wallis, rose byrne. Bookmark the permalink. 11 Comments.
I try to watch as many things as possible, but the only way I would have seen this is with my lady friend. This is kind of up her alley, and it was the only thing showing at the time she wanted to go to the theater, but she had to get home earlier than anticipated.
I suppose I may still watch for duty’s sake but the likelihood isn’t as strong anymore, which is probably a good thing!
Great writing as always Joltz.
If you must see this film, go for a bargain show; to do full price would be a crime. Good luck and a happy, healthy new year to you.
I’ll see it when it’s on Netflix. Doesn’t seem like it would be worthy of a night out.
No, not at all; there are so many better movies out right now. Thanks for the comments.
Merry Christmas! 🙂
Thank you and may your holiday season be filled with happiness and good health.
We have been seeing the trailer in cinemas for an entire year. Promotion as brain washing. So now my sons – who would never watch the 1980s film – think they want to see this. Maybe on Netflix but I am not spending money on tickets for it.
It appears as if their marketing department was successful in regards to your sons. I am you can guide them towards a much better movie.
Reblogged this on Rosevoc2's Blog.
I watched this one and like you, wasn’t very impressed. I too was struck by how awkward Cameron Diaz was in that role – it didn’t suit her at all!
I know, it was uncomfortable watching her. Thanks for the comments, I appreciate it.