7 Things to Like About Annie 2014

As a purist fan of the Broadway play, Annie, I never quite warmed up to the movie version that came out in 1982. After all, Punjab, who played a major role in the movie, wasn’t in the play and neither were some of the songs, like “Dumb Dog” and “Let’s Go to the Movies.”

Now there’s a new Annie movie, and I’ve heard several people, who cut their teeth on the 1982 version, resisting the 2014 film. They feel loyalty to their Annie, complete with Punjab and the extra songs, just as I felt loyal to the original stage production.

Curious, I went to see the the newest Annie on the day after Christmas and discovered that there are plenty of reasons to like this production.

Here are seven things to like about Annie 2014:

1. A modern Annie, not a brand-new Annie. This movie maintains the essence of Annie’s optimism and applies it to 21st-century societal issues, like literacy and substance abuse.
2. Updated music that retains enough of the original scores to make it recognizable but with fresh beats and lyrics that bring it into the 21st century. One new song, “Opportunity,” sung by Annie (Quvenzhané Wallis) is both haunting and inspiring.
3. Warm vocals and delightful harmonies. Listen closely for interesting phrases that wrap around each other like tendrils of fresh ivy. A good example of these harmonies is found in the new song, “Who Am I?”
4. Miss Hannigan’s humanity. We learn, early on, of the disappointments that have resulted in Miss Hannigan’s current dysfunction. The song, “Little Girls,” underwent quite a transformation for 2014, and the new version portrays her desperation quite well.
5. Will Stacks’ (Daddy Warbucks role) vulnerability. He’s approachable, fallible, and as the head of a colossal corporation, he falters in his leadership role but eventually regains his footing.
6. Technology and social media. Will Stacks’ livelihood is cellular communications, and that medium plays a key role in Annie’s rescue.
7. Life lessons and integrity. To be successful, be tenacious and do the right thing. Will Stacks shares his wisdom with Annie and demonstrates his integrity as well. In the “The City’s Yours,” Stacks sings, “Now’s the time you gotta stand tough. Cause if you work hard, you can rise up.”

There you have it. Seven reasons to see Annie 2014. You might even want to buy the soundtrack. I did.

Ann Silverthorn is a blogger who also writes about a wide variety of topics in numerous genres, including non-fiction, fiction, poetry, travel, and grant writing.

Twitter: @annsilverthorn

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