New Annie Movie: MN Exclusive Screening - Check out the MN reviews! NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

This is the thread for the lucky MNers who attended an Exclusive MN Preview Screening of the new Annie movie – at Cinemas December 20!

Read all about it here: www.anniemovie.co.uk/

Annie Movie Synopsis
Academy Award® nominee Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild) stars as Annie, a young, happy foster kid who’s also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they’d be back for her someday, it’s been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). But everything’s about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) – advised by his brilliant VP, Grace (Rose Byrne) and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor, Guy (Bobby Cannavale) – makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he’s her guardian angel, but Annie’s self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it’s the other way around.

Check out the trailer here:

The film features Jamie Foxx as Will Stacks, Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie, Rose Byrne as Grace, Bobby Cannavale as Guy, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Nash, David Zayas as Lou and Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan

So, if you attended a screening, please share on this thread...

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC
2. Your overall summary of the film
3. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?
4. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)
5. What was your overall experience of the screening?
6. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

As an extra thank you, everyone who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where 5 lucky winners will win a Sony WX350 Camera worth £239 and an Annie Goody Bag!

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

1. Me and my husband and our 3 children...DS aged 7, DD aged 3 and DD aged 10 weeks!

1. I am a HUGE fan of the original, and if I'm honest, wasn't expecting too much from this morning. I was very surprised to come out of the cinema beaming and having loved this adaptation! The story was brought into the 21st century, but still held onto the original principles. The songs were recognisable, but with a more modern feel to them.

1. My DS loved the part where Mr Stacks was feeding the homeless and spat the mashed potato out of his mouth! My daughter loved when Annie put on her pretty red dress. The children both loved the main characters of Annie and Mr Stacks and the relationship they had...particularly when they had breakfast together!

1. 5 from me and 5 from the children!

5.We went to Wimbledon. There was no directions where to go. We had to queue at the ticket office and were then told to join a different queue. The title above the door of the screen stated 'Paddington' so still unsure where we had to go. Also, nobody checked our tickets.
The actual cinema was very comfy and spacious, I was able to leave my baby in her pram and still have her next to me. The popcorn and water was all ready when we got in there.

6Yes, yes, yes! If, like me, you loved the original, and we all watched it and loved it, then you have to see the new version and fall in love with the story all over again!

Hello!

I took DH & 2 ds age 8 and 6.

We really enjoyed the film, thought it was better than the original. It was interesting, humorous, current and uplifting, just enough songs! Great casting (seeing Mila, Ashton & Rhiahna a nice bonus) and makes a change seeing an american actress playing a british role (Grace) rather than the other way round. Lots of great meaningful messages within the film, a great film all round for all!

Favourite part of the film for ds1 was when Will pretended to enjoy Annie's breakfast but fed it to Sandy the dog. Ds2's was the helicopter ride over New York looking for hidden mobile transmitters!

Favourite characters ds1 Will Stacks, ds2 Annie

I give the film 5 stars as does dh & dc

Experience was good, lovely Sunday morning treat! Nice to watch a non animated movie for a change and lovely to be treated to big bags of popcorn & water!

Yes we would recommend Annie to friends and family as per summary above!

Thank you mumsnet!

I went to the Wimbledon screening with DD (16) and we both had a great time.

It is a lively feel good fun film with enough of the original but updated well. I loved Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan. DD liked the new songs.

We would both give it 5 out of 5. We had no problems getting in, had forgotten about the popcorn and drinks so that was a happy bonus!!

We would recommend it to families with younger DCs.

Thanks Mumsnet

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

Docs aged 9 and 14 and a friend aged 8

1. Your overall summary of the film

Loved it, I loved the first film so knew I would love this but they made it better. I cried in parts , laughed in others

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

When Stark saved Annie, they loved Stark as he was cool.

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

Me 5 Dc1 5 Dc2 5 Dc3 4

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Great, loved the whole experience although we arrived 30 mins early as requested in previous experiences there have been film related activities, but we just sat and waited for 30mins

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

100% its a fantastic film, cool and urban and made an old classic cool. My Dcs never enjoyed the old version but loved this.

annieuk75 I think you were in front of us. Were you near the front? Your baby is adorable and your DS laughing at him spitting out the mash made us laugh!!

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

I attended with my Mum and my DD(7).

1. Your overall summary of the film.

Having grown up on Annie (The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz et al) I was very apprehensive about a new version! However, I really enjoyed this modern take of a 'classic'. Some songs that we recognised (with a slight twist) and some new songs along with a new storyline made the film different but still comforting!

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

DD says all of it! Her favourite character was Annie "because she sings songs that I really like". She grasped the humour of it and shed a little tear (despite her protestations!).

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

5 from both of us!

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

The screening was great! We went to Birmingham, the cinema wasn't as full as I thought it would be but that meant there wasn't as much noise as there normally is during a film! DD loved the popcorn and drink!

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

Yes, in fact we already have! Definitely worth a viewing.

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

I was there with my DD aged 8

1. Your overall summary of the film

Fun, creative remake. Nice re working of parts with a good nod to the original.

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

The ending when Annie got her dad - and the dancing with the mops. Favourite character - Stacks as he was funny.

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

4 /5

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Great - nice touch with the popcorn .

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

Yes - its a fun feel good movie with some great music tracks.

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

Dh & myself along with ds 9yrs, ds3 6yrs & Niece 8yrs.

1. Your overall summary of the film

Really enjoyed it. Was really pleasantly surprised how good it was.

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

They loved Will rescuing Annie in the helicopter. Annie and Will Stacks. They loved how they became family.

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

I'd give it a 5 and so would the children.

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Great. Very prompt and a comfortable experience.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

Yes, it was really good. The cast and new versions of the songs. Made it really enjoyable. Thank you MN and Sony.

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

Me, my DS aged 9 and my DD aged 5

1. Your overall summary of the film

Good fun! Really enjoyed it, tried not to sing along too loudly, tried not to cry too much ...

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

DS: When they went into Will Stacks apartment, and when Annie chose her dog. The dog, because he had big ears and looked really cute DD: The ending, because it's really happy. The dog, because he was really furry. She also liked how Miss Hannigan looked.

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

Me - 4.5/5 DS - 4/5 DD - 4/5

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Good. Easy to get to in Printworks, free popcorn and water much appreciated, friendly staff. Only criticism is complete lack of signing in cinema about where it was on - this is how I know the staff are friendly!

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

Yes. Good fun film, lots of emotional ups and downs, catchy songs, good performances.

Bums. I can't believe I missed this!

My 3 year old is a huuuuge fan of Annie and I've been waiting for this remake to come out so she can experience it at her first time at the cinema. Oh well it seems to be getting rave reviews so we'll look forward to seeing it in a couple of weeks.

annie you were 2 rows in front of me which means nacho just in front. nacho did you ask someone if they were wondering who people were? If so that was me

Ummm. I'll add my feedback as soon as mum sends me the photos and gives her opinion :)

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

Me (36), friend (36), my Mum (66), and DD1 and DD2 (6 and 4).

1. Your overall summary of the film

Absolutely brilliant - took a well known classic, and made it better! The old songs were remixed with a more modern feel, and the new songs fit seamlessly into the narrative - particularly loved the William Stacks and Annie song in the helicopter scene, 'The City's Yours'. The casting was absolutely brilliant too - Cameron Diaz hilarious as Miss Hannigan, with just the right amount of likeability and vulnerability, as was Jamie Foxx as Stacks - his acting was nuanced and very touching at times. A must see - we loved it!

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

DD1 and DD2 unanimously declared 'ALL OF IT' when asked this question! Although I heard DD2 (4) in peals of laughter when Miss Hannigan acosted Stacks in the car.........both girls have come home quoting lines from the film!

DD1 loved Stacks, said he was so kind and just needed someone to show him how to love again (aww!) and DD2 loved Annie, especially in her 'big song' when she wore 'her beautiful red dress'. The three adults all agreed Miss Hannigan was their favourite!

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

We all gave it a unanimous 5 out of 5 stars! My Mum (66) said it was so good, that although she'd had a fantastic treat seeing it for free at this screening, she'd happily go again and pay to see it again! I can see another trip to the cinema coming on.........!

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Fantastic - prompt start, and the popcorn and water for everyone was a lovely treat - I had forgotten this was included and we all felt very spoiled!

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

Of course - its a CLASSIC story, that actually, has become better in this modern, re-imagining - can't wait to see it again!

Thanks so much for the opportunity - we had a ball!

I attended the screening at Odeon Wimbledon this morning with my seventeen year old son who liked Jamie Foxx in Horrible Bosses and Django Unchained and wife who liked Quvenzhane Wallis in Beasts of the Southern Wild.

The screening was nicely hosted with popcorn on every seat (in bags, not spilled, silly). We have a nice video message from Ms Cameron Diaz, who has made some iconic films in her long career (The Mask, There's Something About Mary, Charlie's Angels).

To quote St Vincent, this movie beats not going to the cinema by a hair. It was sadly not much to write about. I didn't believe in the update and the film offered mixed messages about mobile phone companies spying on their customers and certain racial groups being able to sing and others not; and certain racial groups being mayoral material, and others not.

Sony Pictures really should have test screened the movie a little better. This definitely needed some tweaking. It is hard to imagine who might like it.

In conclusion, not all updates are a good thing. Ask the users of iPhone 6.

I attended at Bath today with DH and 2 DSs aged 9 & 11. Both boys loved this film and were thrilled to be seeing it before it's general release. I was a little apprehensive about a new version of an old childhood favourite of mine but I would say I was pleasantly surprised. It was fun and having been brought up to date appeals to today's kids. My children found the original version a little too geared towards girls and old fashioned. This one completely gripped them.
Both boys were big fans of Mr Stacks and thought he was very funny. Their favourite part of the film was the chase at the end. One DS said it was like a James Bond movie!
My children both gave the film a 5 out of five saying it was one of their top two films of the year.
I echo the comments of a previous poster when I comment on the lack of organisation at Bath. We were very careful to ensure we arrived in plenty of time but were all left waiting in a queue until about 5 mins before the film started. Apart from that everything went well and the popcorn and water was a nice treat.
I would certainly recommend this film to family and friends. I was pleasantly surprised by how much my two boys enjoyed this film. Unlike the original, this film will appeal to both boys and girls. Even my husband enjoyed it! We had a great time, thank you!

Here's our pic

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

I attended with DH and my 2 DDs, aged 4 and 8 months (baby wasn't bothered about the film much though :-))

1. Your overall summary of the film

I thought it was a nice update of the original movie, and it was entertaining, but I thought it went on for far too long and it felt quite tedious. I didn't like Cameron Diaz as Hannigan and some of the jokes I felt were quite inappropriate for children (although I appreciate it probably went over their head). Apart from 1 or 2 main songs, I also found the song track quite bland. Wallis was really great though.

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

DD loved Annie, she was able to identify with her despite not understanding everything. We liked the beginning of the movie and the song routine with the mops.

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

I'd give it a 3, DD would probably give it more (if she understood the concept of rating)

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

The screening went fine, it started on time, we found popcorn and water on the seats.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

Not sure. I might recommend to some friends if I felt it was their type of movie, but not otherwise.

The new Annie is Like a multi-million dollar version of Nativity! though neither as funny nor as moving - it's also a bit long for younger children at two hours, but the Annie actress was good and the songs have stood the test of time.

Forgot the favourite part:
Ds (9) when the film started with an Annie lookalike and favourite xter - I like Annie, Staxx, and grace. Ds also like Grace being weird about having friends.
Ds (7) liked it when Annie realised that they weren't her parents and favourite xter is Annie.
Mine was the driver but I was desperate for him to be more Punjab like.
Not asking dd she has only just recovered .

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

DH, DD age 12 & DS age 7

1. Your overall summary of the film

A mixed bag really, DD loved it, I liked it, DS got a bit bored and DH hated it although he did day there were some funny bits.

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

DD liked miss Hannigan & thought she was really funny especially when drunk & speaking to males! DS liked mr Stacks & the helicopter chase

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

Our scores are - Me - 4, DD - 5, DS - 3, DH - 1

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

It was great, really organised, greeted by polite & friendly staff and the popcorn & water was a bonus. Loved having no adverts too

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

Yes it's a nice family film but think it's more of a DVD film rather than a visit to the cinema. I wouldn't recommend to anyone with little ones as it was quite long and I wouldn't recommend to anyone who didn't like the original

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

Me, my husband, DD1 (6) and DD2 (3).

1. Your overall summary of the film

The girls have watched the original film many times so it was good to see an updated version. Thought the original story was adapted very well, really liked the new updated songs. Have already pre ordered the soundtrack as the girls want to dance to the songs. We all really enjoyed the film and am sure once it is out on DVD we will watch it as much as we have the original.

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

Loved the characters, DD1 loved Will and Sandy the dog and DD2 loved Annie. Their favourite parts were for DD1 when Annie’s “parents” had taken her and the others chased them in the helicopter and DD2 liked the bit right at the beginning when Annie was telling her essay in the classroom.

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

I would give the film 5 stars and both girls would give it 5 stars.

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

The whole experience was excellent, the popcorn and water was an added bonus. The staff were all very friendly especially the people from Sony who very politely checked our phones were switched off as we went in.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

We already have!

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

I went along with DH, DS and DD aged 10 and 12.

1. Your overall summary of the film

We all really enjoyed it. Jamie Foxx was great and 'Annie' was a star!

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

DS liked the Mr Stakks best, especially when he 'got dust in his eye' as it showed a softer side. DD loved Annie and her friends.

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

5*'s from us!

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Perfect. Clean, organised and the popcorn and water was a nice touch.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

We already have!

Ooh, we thoroughly enjoyed Annie, and would happily recommend it!

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

Just me (39) and my DS (7)

1. Your overall summary of the film

A great remake, really! I watched the original as a child and squirmed through the saccharine moments, so was pretty apprehensive about seeing this. But it was really well-imagined with an excellent score and some great acting. Somehow, Jamie Foxx (as the workaholic millionaire who borrows an orphan to help his mayoral campaign) manages to be sympathetic and not-creepy. Cameron Diaz was properly funny and Rose Byrne perfectly English and lovely. And Quvenzhané Wallis as the optimistic Annie was really likeable and believable. The whole film was a bundle of fun and we've been humming the tunes all day.

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why?

My DS really enjoyed the opening sequence which had streetwise Annie sprinting across New York, using any free transport she could. He laughed out loud when the star-struck social worker knocked vases over in the penthouse apartment. And he loved the helicopter ride. Favourite song was Hard Knock Life which saw the orphans scrubbing the house clean using whatever short-cuts they could whilst singing their hearts out.

1. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

4/5 for me, 5/5 for him ("It was a bit girly but I still give it top marks").

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Great. The Christmas bejumpered staff were really friendly and told us where to go. The popcorn and free water were a welcome surprise (I'd been planning to pop back out and buy some!). And the message from Cameron Diaz was fun!

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

Yes! Glad I didn't bring my nearly-5-year-old because he would have been too young (the campaigning details went over my 7-year-old's head). Great for over-6 year olds, and I was happy there were no scary moments at all. A lovely family film for Christmas.

Sorry about the lack of photo - camera phone fail.

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC

i went to Wimbledon screening today with my sons 7/12 and my daughter 20

1. Your overall summary of the film i loved every minute the singing dancing thought it was great my son 12 really enjoyed it and my son 7 thought it was good but a bit long. Daughter 20 loved annie as a child but did not like the remake of it
2. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why? my son 12 liked all of it but liked the car chase at the end the best. My son 7 liked the bit when the mashed potato was spat out! and singing best
3. Out of 5, how many stars would you give the film? How many would your DC give it? (5 is highest and 1 is lowest)

would give it 5 stars think most kids would enjoy it but maybe a bit long for little ones

1. What was your overall experience of the screening? screening was good cinema was comfy and popcorn was good
2. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why?

i would recommend it to friends and family as we really enjoyed it. Daughter 20 said she enjoyed the film but wished it wasnt called Annie as she likes the original. thank you for inviting us.

Age range of our party was 3 to 41 and we all thoroughly enjoyed it; stayed mainly to the original but with some interesting modern twists. Great to see mixed race couples in the film too. Even my 7 and 9 year old boys loved it. I much preferred this version to the original as it was much less sickly sweet that the first film. Also - Cameron Diaz was just brilliant (as were all the cast really).
Missed the head's up about the popcorn and water though...we had already bought some.

I forgot about the photos, I am so sorry.

I went with my best friend and my 10yo dd.

I loved the film. The two things I was worried about - no songs and no red hair - the red hair was dealt with in the first five minutes and it is full of songs. It was sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and just mind boggling at the technology in the penthouse!

Dd said it was one of the best films this year and she liked the chase scene at the end the best. She liked grace best because she was quite funny but also quite serious.

I'd give it four stars and she would give it five.

The screening in Glasgow was great, all ran smoothly, and the free drinks and snacks were a lovely touch. We had a great time.

I'd definitely recommend it. It is quite a long film for tinies though. I think DDs friends at 10 would love it and I might get in for a sleepover when it reaches DVD.

Thanks MN for arranging it and also thanks for listening to my moaning and having a Scottish showing this time. It's really appreciated.