Review: Wallis charms as ‘Annie’ but pacing, autotune sink film

Posted on December 26, 2014

By MARK VIOLA

I’m a latecomer as far as musicals are concerned, but the more I watch, the more I enjoy them, whether it is a live stage play or a film. Movie musicals have been hit or miss at the box office, but Hollywood never seems to get tired of searching for that elusive hit, so I’m sure we will continue to get them.

The latest film adaptation is “Annie,” based on the 1977 musical which, in turn, was based on the Harold Gray’s comic striop, “Little Orphan Annie.”

“Annie” is a decent movie, with a talented actress in the lead role, but an uneven script and a bit too much autotune in the vocals capsize what could have have been a solid ride. There’s enough here to entertain younger audiences and provide an introduction to the world of musicals, but I’m betting the parents tagging along will not find it nearly as enjoyable.

“Annie” has several strong performances–namely Quvenzhané Wallis (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”), Jamie Foxx (“White House Down”) and Rose Byrne (“Neighbors”)–but the terrible pacing problems and whiplash tonal changes, coupled with too much autotune, leave the film feeling paper thin.

The movie is rated PG for some mild language and rude humor.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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