Alicia Morton is outstanding as the new version of Annie, playing the role with a guileless sincerity. Her co-actors, particularly Kathy Bates, Victor Garber and Audra McDonald, are also more than competent in their respective roles. Bates is funny, Garber plays both serious businessman and tender-hearted father figure to the fullest, and Garber’s vocal performance in “Something Was Missing” is moving. McDonald also brings a grace to her role which hits the right notes.
The TV production is slightly altered in a few scenes which do the story no harm. It did seem as if the story overall was somehow truncated, as Warbucks falls for the orphan pretty quickly in this version. But little matter. The music, acting and production values are all strong and we approve this Disney TV version of “Annie” for all ages. The film is wholesome with a few minor instances of note which is mentioned in the content listing below.
