Annie (1999)

This made-for-TV version of Annie is much better than the 1982 big-screen feature, and a highly effective stage-to-screen transfer. While it significantly alters some elements of the play (e.g., omitting most of the sections dealing with FDR and the New Deal, cutting several songs), the changes work well in context. Director Rob Marshall uses his resources very skillfully; he must work within the confines of a television budget (albeit a generous one) and schedule, but manages to make the production numbers exciting and to give the film a distinctive visual look. His work on "Tomorrow," the show's signature tune, is especially good. In his hands the song is quietly but determinedly optimistic, rather than overpoweringly anthemic, as it could be under another director. Marshall's cast is uniformly excellent. Alicia Morton is a treasure, genuine and real and playing her scenes with a beguiling sincerity. Victor Garber hits all the right notes; his transition from initial no-nonsense efficiency to warmth and caring is handled with aplomb, and his performance of "Something Was Missing" is lovely. Audra McDonald, her role built up substantially, is in especially fine form (and exceptional voice), and Kathy Bates is a hoot -- and not bad vocally, either. Thoroughly engaging, Annie is one of the few musicals to effectively make the transition to TV. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide