Annie
Annie (2014) is a modern musical comedy-drama film adapted from the classic Broadway musical, setting the story in contemporary New York City. The narrative follows Annie, an optimistic foster child, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is temporarily taken in by mayoral candidate Will Stacks for a publicity stunt. The film explores themes of family, hope, and the impact of love on individuals from different walks of life. While generally family-friendly with an uplifting message, the movie contains elements that parents may wish to consider. It is rated PG and aims to entertain a broad audience, particularly children and families.
Concerns
Violence
MediumViolence in the film is generally mild and includes some slapstick, threatening behavior, and peril. There are scenes depicting physical altercations and a car chase, but without graphic detail or severe injury.
Annie is almost hit by a van in the street but is saved by Will Stacks. Grace, Stacks' assistant, punches Guy, a campaign manager, in the face during a confrontation. Miss Hannigan exhibits physical roughness with the foster girls, such as spraying them with cleaning agent and threatening them with a wooden broom.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe movie contains mild romantic elements and some suggestive content, primarily through flirting and innuendos. There are no explicit sexual scenes, but some characters are depicted in suggestive ways or make suggestive remarks.
Miss Hannigan frequently flirts drunkenly with various men and is at one point mistaken for a prostitute due to her behavior and attire. At the film's conclusion, Will Stacks and Grace share a kiss, signifying their romantic relationship.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes several instances of mild to moderate profanity. Notable concerns for Christian parents are multiple uses of the Lord's name in vain.
The words 'd--n' and 'a--' are each used once, and 'h--l' is used twice. The phrase 'oh my god' is exclaimed approximately a half-dozen times, and 'sweet lord' once. Christian reviews specifically highlight seven instances of the Lord's name being taken in vain by various characters.
Substance Use
MediumSubstance use is present, primarily through Miss Hannigan's character, who is portrayed as an alcoholic. There are clear visual and verbal references to alcohol consumption and the implied use of prescription pills.
Miss Hannigan is frequently shown drinking alcohol and is explicitly characterized as an alcoholic, with references to her pills and 'medicine cabinet' made by the foster girls. Grace, Mr. Stacks' assistant, is seen with a wine bottle and glass in one scene. Additionally, Stacks' campaign manager mentions taking 'Ambien' for sleep.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains several intense and suspenseful moments, particularly revolving around Annie's safety and the schemes of the antagonists. Themes of child abandonment and the fraudulent plot to exploit Annie can be emotionally impactful.
Annie faces peril when she nearly gets hit by a car in the street. A significant plot point involves Guy and Miss Hannigan hiring fake parents to claim Annie as their own, intending to exploit her for Stacks' mayoral campaign and then return her to foster care, leading to a helicopter and car chase for her rescue. The themes of child abandonment and neglect, especially regarding Annie's ongoing search for her parents, can also be emotionally intense for younger viewers.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film portrays significant disrespect from Miss Hannigan towards the foster children, including verbal abuse. Annie herself displays some spirited defiance and 'sass' towards authority figures, fitting her street-wise character.
Miss Hannigan routinely verbally abuses and mistreats the foster girls under her care, calling them 'rats' and expressing her disdain for them. Annie sasses her teacher during a classroom scene, showcasing her independent and somewhat rebellious nature. The girls also joke about and are told to stay away from Miss Hannigan's 'medicine cabinet', showing a level of irreverence towards her issues.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile the film contains some positive references to God and prayer, the frequent use of the Lord's name in vain by various characters is a significant concern for Christian parents, indicating a disregard for religious reverence.
The movie includes a scene where Miss Hannigan demands one of the girls pray while trying to fool a social worker. Annie mentions praying for a family, and by the end, her prayer is answered in an unexpected way. However, the film features approximately seven instances where characters take the Lord's name in vain, which is noted as a moral concern.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThe film does not feature any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. One source notes the film does not pass the 'Russo test' for LGBTQ representation. There is a brief, potentially insensitive joke involving a character being mistaken for a 'transvestite', which is not reflective of an actual character's identity.
The film explicitly does not pass the Russo test, indicating an absence of LGBTI characters. In one scene, Will Stacks mistakes Miss Hannigan for a 'transvestite' when she approaches his limo, a comment he quickly retracts, which is played for mild comedic effect.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no actual depiction of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, or supernatural elements in the film. Miss Hannigan is described in one review as 'kinda witchy', but this is a descriptive term for her personality rather than an indication of occult activity.
While Miss Hannigan is referred to as 'kinda witchy' in describing her cranky and unpleasant demeanor, this is figurative language and does not imply any actual engagement with witchcraft or the occult. No characters engage in magic rituals, spells, or interactions with demons or spirits.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parents should consider this film appropriate for children aged 8 and older, with parental guidance advised for younger viewers. This recommendation is due to thematic elements involving child neglect and peril, mild profanity, and depictions of alcohol consumption by a main character.
Additional Notes
The film is a modern adaptation, changing certain plot elements and characterizations from previous versions of 'Annie.' For example, Annie is a foster child rather than an orphan in this rendition, and some original musical numbers are updated or replaced. The overarching message focuses on the importance of family, love, and kindness, which are positive themes for children.
Related Reviews
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