Long John Silver's Reference Website

1999 Motion Picture Reviews

Complete credit for this page goes to Andy, who took the time to find and post all of these great reviews. Enjoy!

"It's hard to decide which star to praise in ABC's joyous new film of the Broadway musical 'Annie.' Who knew that Kathy Bates could sing and dance? (Like a dream.) It is Ms. Bates' genius to make Hannigan simultaneously monstrous and sympathetic. And is there any performer with a more radiant combination of face and voice than Audra McDonald? Television viewers who don't know Ms. McDonald won't know what hit them. And is there any fabulously sleazy character that Alan Cumming can't make thrilling? And God bless 12-year-old Alicia Morton who plays Annie. Heartwarming is hard to get away with these days. Musicals are hard to do. So when one of the broadcast networks, the underdogs of the decade, presents two hours so heartwarming, charming, elating, and pure that even brittle, irony-proud New Yorkers may sit entranced and smiling like idiots, gushing is required. One hero behind the scenes is Rob Marshall, the director and choreographer."

- Anita Gates, THE NEW YORK TIMES

"Sometimes you get a TV show so good that all you can do is smile and let it bathe you in its warmth. ABC's **** FOUR STAR version of the Broadway hit 'Annie' is one of those shows. This 'Annie' is an instant classic. Nicely cast, artfully executed and beautifully realized. It is not to be missed."

- Phil Rosenthal, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

"The sun has finally come out for 'Annie' in a glittering valentine of a movie. This is a heartfelt, heart-tugging production that never loses sight of the oft-told tale's essential poignance."

- Matt Roush, TV GUIDE

"Once upon a time, there was a great big smash-hit Broadway musical that was turned into a great big stink bomb of a movie. In fact, it was such a disaster at the box office, it seemed to confirm what Hollywood studio moguls had long been suspecting: that the movie musical, once the primary reason millions of Americans flocked to the cinema, had finally gone the way of the dinosaur. We're talking about 'Annie'-- which came to the big screen in 1982. But there's good news, at least for the little redheaded orphan. On November 7, ABC's the Wonderful World of Disney will air a brand-new remake of 'Annie' starring a troop of true-blue theater babies. Gone is the shticky Hannigan as portrayed by Dorothy Loudon and on screen by Burnett. Also missing is her booze. Hardcore 'Annie' devotees will note other changes. The beloved Charles Strouse-Martin Charnin score--horribly bastardized in the first movie--has been given its proper due. (Director John Huston wouldn't let his Annie, played by the hardly-heard-from-since Aileen Quinn, sing 'Tomorrow' as a solo.) Hannigan, who more or less faded from the show midway through the stage version, is now crucial to the finale."

- Michael Logan, IN THEATRE MAGAZINE

"'Annie' makes a joyous transfer to the small screen buoyed by a superb cast and the steady hand of director-choreographer Rob Marshall. In fact, Marshall is the real hero of this TV version. 'Annie' radiates arf, oomph and, most important, a sense of fun. Kathy Bates plays Hannigan with a surprisingly strong singing voice and a funny, vinegary attitude. Victor Garber exudes robustness as Warbucks. Alicia Morton is an affecting Annie and even makes 'Tomorrow' sound fresh."

- Michael Kuchwara, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

"'Annie' is the most thoroughly enjoyable TV event of the season. It's a don't-miss delight for all ages. Everything about this "Annie' is magnificent. The cast is extraordinarily accomplished. The choreography is spirited and energetic. The visual package is a riot of color. Alicia Morton will leave your heart in a puddle. Kathy Bates is a revelation as Hannigan. 'Annie' is an example of television fulfilling its potential to bring the finest in entertainment to the masses. 'Annie' is one of the last great TV events of the 20th Century."

- Tom Jicha, THE SUN-SENTINEL

"Maybe there's hope for the movie musical after all. Like Annie herself, the producers have hit pay dirt. Everything about this presentation tells you the people involved know what they're doing. Making a marvelous musical debut as a more sober Miss Hannigan, Bates puts her own stamp on the role. But then all the performances are spot on in a movie that is almost ideally cast."

- Robert Blanco, USA TODAY

"It's no contest. As the November sweeps roar onto the TV networks, the best show on the biggest Sunday is 'Annie.' ABC's remake of the Broadway musical is as judicious as it is joyous. 'Annie' is svelte and vigorous. Alicia Morton is as fresh and real as country sunshine. 'Annie' is a bright bauble of a production. It feels like the sort of holiday treat the networks used to manage every few years."

- John Carman, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"If you liked The Wonderful World of Disney presentation of 'Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella,' you won't want to miss Disney's movie version of 'Annie.' It's from the same producers and they bring the same passion and big-budget production-number sensibility with them. This production absolutely shimmers. What a cast! The choreography (by Rob Marshall) is stunning and unlike anything you've seen elsewhere on TV. I loved the multicultural sensitivity which they first took on in 'Cinderella.' It's great family entertainment."

- David Zurawik, THE BALTIMORE SUN

"ABC weighs in with a lavish new musical production of 'Annie.' 'Annie' is a dazzling, enchanting triumph, the finest family entertainment of the fall season. Director and choreographer Rob Marshall has done a masterful job of capturing and transporting the giddy magic of a Broadway musical to film. Streamlined and sensational, this refreshingly new 'Annie' is a marvel. Make it an annual tradition, ABC. It's that special."

- Mike Duffy, DETROIT FREE PRESS

"Alicia Morton promises to give the role new magic and oomph. Perfectly cast as Miss Hannigan is Oscar winning villainess Kathy Bates. Victor Garber is memorable as the icy billionaire. And almost stealing the show are Tony winners Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth."

- Jeanne Jakle, SAN ANTONIA EXPRESS-NEWS

"It's a splashy, big-budget musical that's loaded with good songs and fine acting-- especially from charming newcomer Alicia Morton. In a TV season filled with legal dramas, crude comedies, teen angst, 'Annie' is a welcome addition. A movie families can enjoy together."

- Diane Holloway, AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN

"This is the first time that the role of Grace is being played by a black actress. As with last year's multi-ethnic 'Cinderella' on ABC, we're being encouraged to look beyond color lines to the heart of the story. All of this is splendidly produced."

- Ed Bark, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

"A lavish, brisk revival. Marshall turns songs into numbers full of character, wit and even plot. This one spins its sugar with both energy and charm."

- Christopher Rawson, PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

"A new, emotionally fun and musically festive and quite touching version."

- Irv Letofsky, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

"Because this 'Annie' is presented more like a spirited fairy tale and less like a cartoon, it winds up being both more poignant and funny over the course of its sharply-played two hours. Indeed, this is about as quality-driven as sweeps ever gets."

- Ray Richmond, VARIETY

"It is McDonald's wonderful clear voice that makes this 'Annie' really sing."

- Marisa Guthrie, THE BOSTON HERALD

"The Wonderful World of Disney more than lives up to its billing this weekend with a warm and winning new television adaptation. Where else can you and the whole family see a full roster of some of Broadway's best and brightest talent, directed and choreographed with wit and high style by Rob Marshall. Academy Award winner Kathy Bates is the perfect harridan. Kristin Chenoweth does a deft comic turn. The incandescent Audra McDonald plays Warbuck's loyal secretary. (Critics of television's lack of racial and ethnic diversity will find no fault with the color-blind casting of the black stage star nor with the film's rainbow of boisterous supporting orphans.) Victor Garber brings poignance to his portrayal of Warbucks. Alicia Morton more than holds her own and shows just the right mix of vulnerability and pluck. This television adaptation hits all the right notes. The only dog in this show is Sandy, played by Chester and Chip."

- Barbara D. Phillips, WALL STREET JOURNAL

"You'll be hooked on this two-hour production. It is, in short, wonderful. Everything works in 'Annie.' Charming, lovable and precocious, Alicia Morton also displays a soaring singing voice that gives the production is oomph. Kathy Bates could be charged with Grand Larceny for her rousing performance."

- Dusty Saunders, THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS (DENVER, COLORADO)

"If you're not hooked, check your pulse. This is TV's best musical revival in years. Highlighting the emotion and humor, it's splendidly acted and sung, vigorously directed and freshened with new orchestrations. Right down to Sandy the dog, there isn't a wrong note, false step or miscast character in it."

- Mark Dawidziak and Tom Feran, THE PLAIN DEALER (CLEVELAND, OHIO)

"The same people who brought us fabulous TV movie versions of 'Gypsy' and 'Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella' have turned out a wonderful TV movie of 'Annie.' The new version of 'Annie' is a sheer delight--light, bright, bubbly and vastly entertaining for both kids and adults."

- Scott D. Pierce, DESERET NEWS (SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH)

"'Annie' offers a splendid cast, hummable tunes, exciting choreography and, of course, a very happy ending. Everything works in this 'Annie.'"

- ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

"**** (Four Stars). Jeepers! ABC's 'Annie' is irresistible. ABC's television adaptation is so smart about its approach, edits and casting that it deserves its accolades. It also deserves support and viewing by the whole family. Rob Marshall was hired to direct and provides every bit as much energy as his cast. Oh, and what a cast! The casting is so savvy and savorable. McDonald is a spellbindingly expressive actress, and Garber evokes more genuine tenderness than I would have thought possible. Morton is sweet, and Bates, Cumming and Chenoweth are total hoots. 'Annie' is an absolute blast -- and in that respect, an absolute surprise."

- David Bianculli, THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

"Biggest rarely means the best, but ABC's 'Annie' is an exception. The TV movie of the Broadway musical may be the entertainment bargain of the year. The TV movie comes from professionals who adore 'Annie' and give it the pizazz of old Hollyood musicals. The producers surpass their work on 'Cinderella' and 'Gypsy.' The producers' smartest move is to entrust the musical to Rob Marshall who stages rousing dance sequences, draws witty performances from everyone and keeps the sweetness from turning cloying. Family entertainment of the highest order, 'Annie' makes its heroine's hard knock life a knockout."

- Hal Boedeker, THE ORLANDO SENTINEL

"'Annie' gets a splashy and surprisingly emotional production. If your kids liked 'Cinderella's' fairy tale, they'll really take to 'Annie's' real-world roots, and it's got a lot more to offer adults. This 'Annie' cuts straight to the heart. You'll smile, you'll cry, you'll sing along. You'll be truly moved. 'Annie' should be a holiday perennial."

- Diane Werts, NEW YORK NEWSDAY

"TV's 'Annie' is gloriosky. Leapin' lizards! Someone has finally filmed a version of 'Annie' that lives up to the stage original. Filled with talented performers, bursting with energy and heart, the new television edition is fresh, fun and exciting. Heck, even 'Tomorrow' sounds bright and promising. The producers have ignored most of the rules and mounted a show that's honest and fitting.

"When John Huston shot the first adaptation, he opened it up so wide the little orphan got lost. Determined to get big names to play his roles, he overshot by letting Carol Burnett mug as Miss Hannigan, Albert Finney change the show's focus by making Oliver Warbucks grumpy not giving.

"Now, director Rob Marshall goes back to the original concept and casts with some of the finest actors Broadway currently has to offer. Surrounded by the likes of Alan Cumming, Audra McDonald, Victor Garber, and Kristin Chenoweth, Kathy Bates is the Mother Superior of a heavenly theatrical chorus. Put into play with newcomer Alicia Morton as Annie, Bates is even more effective, explaining in many ways why the head of the orphanage would sell out the girls in her care.

"The plot unfolds, the comedy heats up and 'Annie' soars higher than the Empire State Building. The big dance numbers look brassier than the ones in 'Hello, Dolly!"; the sets and costumes have a lush Hollywood feel. Casting original Annie Andrea McArdle as the 'star to be' is a classy move, too, making this the best of all possible adaptations.

"TV's 'Annie" has surprising depth. If there's any justice in those things, the production's destined for top honors. It's tops, yesterday, today and tomorrow."

- Bruce R. Miller, THE SIOUX CITY JOURNAL