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

My eldest and I attended (she's 7)
Overall I loved it, she however got a bit restless after the first half! She's normally fine with cinema films and DVDs so I can only imagine it didn't quite capture her attention. I am a massive Annie fan and I did love all the nods they did to the old film, which were over the head of my daughter of course. The bit where it showed him putting on a hair piece and the beginning bit with the other Annie with typical Annie looks etc. I was really stunned that Cameron Diaz actually sung - I thought she was meant to have a terrible voice but it wasn't bad.
I asked my daughter what her favourite film was and she struggled to name anything. I suggested maybe all the singing and she replied that there was a bit too much singing. Hmm... I tried a different tack and we came up with the outfits that she wore (!)
I would give it 4 out of 5 - for a kids film and a remake of a film i love, i think it did really well to keep me entertained. My daughter however gives it a 2. Sorry - but it doesn't sound like she felt the same way as me about it!
We had a lovely time at the cinema, the popcorn and water was a nice touch and very tasty. Did have us running for the loo after though!
I would recommend it to people - definitely - but I might also say that my daughter didn't like it and to maybe take older than 7 year olds - maybe 9-11 year olds??

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

Myself and DD (4) at Braehead screening.

1. Your overall summary of the film

It was a modern version of the original classic Annie film. The updated version is set in modern day New York (which I felt really worked well) and tells the story of Annie, an abandoned child who is hopefully awaiting the return of the parents who deserted her as a baby. The film tells the story of her search for her parents, life as one of Miss Hannigans foster kids and eventual finding of a guardian. Along the way she changes the lives of many as well as her own. Oh and all accompanied by cast bursting into song.

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

DD said she liked Grace the best because she was nice to Annie. She love the "It's a hard knock life" scene and has been singing the song since!

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, DD 5.

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

It was great! DD loved the popcorn waiting for her, she was very excited, and because it was a preview she said it was a special trip to the cinema! Comfortable seat, good sound!

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

Yes! IT was a great, family friendly film which was a nice version of a much loved classic. Music was great too!

Thanks Mumsnet, really appreciated this treat!!

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

I went with just me and my sister. My 6 year old said he quite wants to see it too, but I'll take him once it's out in cinemas, I have been really looking forward to this movie so wanted to see it in peace DC-free!

1. Your overall summary of the film

I loved it. I was a huge fan of the original movie as a kid so it's so nice to see it redone into a modern day style. It's been done really well and not lost any of the charm of the original one, I love the sound track and found it a really heart warming and lovely movie

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

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Very positive, we really enjoyed it (sister thought same as me that it was great!) - thanks so much for letting us see it early :)

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

Yes, I already have recommended it to everyone!

Me, DD 12, DS 9 and Granny 75
You know what you want with this story and this film delivered it really well a light-hearted, warm tale, where it will be (more than) alright in the end and everyone is a better person by the credits (except the baddies who get their come-uppance of course). This film delivered all that with a nice warm tone - Annie was plucky and independent and that's exactly how we want her to be. Some great musical numbers - especially it's a hard knock life. The singing wasn't always that great but who cares! It's not social realism or complex characterisation by any means.
The kids really enjoyed seeing a black actress as the star. DS liked Miss Hannigan and how nasty she was at the beginning. (I liked the idea of her as a character but not sure Diaz really did it justice). DD thought the scene when the lady from social services visited Mr Stacks' penthouse for the first time was really funny (also watch out for her great sofa surfing at the end credits)
I'd give it 4/5 and the kids the same.
We loved the screening, the popcorn and the water and the chance to attend a preview,
I would recommend Annie in conversation - my quote for the mumsnet movie poster would be 'Leave your cynicism at home and come and sing along. Let out your inner Miss Hannigan and you'll be a changed woman by the end'

Thanks mumsnet - please do more previews!

1. I attended with DD aged 13
2. I thought the film overall was great fun, the acting and singing were entertaining, the storyline was as remembered from the original and is was a good film however I thought it would be better for children 10 and under as more their style.
3. DD didn't particularly like the film and thought it was cheesy and gringy especially the singing! I therefore think it is suited to younger children.
4. I would give the film 5 stars, DD would give it 1 star
5. Overall the event was great, free popcorn, drink of water and film what more can you ask for. It appeared well organised but there were plenty of spare seats at the Manchester Odeon so either people didn't turn up or they didn't give out enough free tickets
6. I would recommend the film to my friends and family with children under 10, I have already discussed it with my work colleagues and told them that it is a feel good family film.

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

It was a special day for my daughter (4 and a half) and myself. I absolutely loved the original, own the DVD, watch it every Christmas. I was hoping to convert my daughter into a lifelong fan.

1. Your overall summary of the film

It is a modern adaptation of the original musical. It has more movie-star substance and drama and will appeal to young girls in a relevant manner. There is some good adult humour (Miss Hannigans previous life in C+C Music Factory...) and a great message about being all you can be which is true to the original. There are echoes of themes of capitalism which could probably be useful in an essay somewhere.

I was delighted to see that particularly the beginning of the film was very true to the original and especially the cleaning up scenes at the orphanage. This is movie-gold and my girls (I have a younger 2 year who did not attend, but has a mop obsession) have been recreating the scenes and the songs (spurred on of course by the old DVD).

The ending is not at all scary, unlike the original, so I would say younger girls would also like this film.

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)

Both 5. My DD wanted to watch the DVD when we got home. Not the original, the one we had just seen

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Brilliant. Nice venue, great to be able to pick our own seats, free parking on a Sunday. Lovely to have a message from Miss Diaz to welcome us too.

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

Yes, I think it is great for inspiring girls in confidence. Girls will love the dances and songs. My DD has already said 'maybe Annie can be our new movie', but I am not sure that Frozen is a gon-er yet, but there's hope ;-)

I forgot to add that I particularly liked the scenes when Annie leaves school for the day and runs back to the orphanage via 100 different places in NYC. It's like she is free-running the city. Great cinematography with the views of New York and you think, wow, this girl really knows what she wants and is going for it, despite her background of being a lonely orphan. It's a great section of the film.

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC. Me and 13 yo daughter
2. Your overall summary of the film. Very good. Good mixture of fave ld songs and new modern twists eg. Technology, Instagram which made it fun and updated for new younger audience.
3. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why? When cleaning up and singing its a hard knock life. Fave character was Annie. Because she was a really good actor, good facial expressions and emotions - made you think it was real.
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). Me -4, dc - 4.5.
5. What was your overall experience of the screening? Very good - with nice popcorn and water!
6. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why? Yes, as its a favourite old story with fun updates, and family friendly.

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

Myself, DH, DD(7) and DS(4)

1. Your overall summary of the film

A feel good family film. Perfect for a movie night.

I enjoyed it. I liked the updated story and struggled to keep quiet and not burst into song. It made me tear up a little. DS was a little upset about the bad people at the end. It really made him think about good and evil.

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

DS liked Sandy, this was strange seeing how little he actually featured in the story. I missed the song 'dumb dog'.

DD liked Grace, she liked how kind she was and said she seemed to understand children.

DH liked the shopkeeper (I have forgotten his name).

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 out of 5. Despite the lip syncing we loved it.

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

We are going away for Christmas and had our pre Christmas day on that date. The kids loved being able to eat a tonne of popcorn and felt really special being able to tell their aunty about the film 'before it is even out!' DS finished a whole bag of popcorn and despite dropping half of mine managed to nearly finish that too!

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

Yes we already have. Despite the weird messages with regards to telecoms being able to infiltrate all your calls (bad timing based on the current Sony issues) and the changing of song words I still loved it. We have been telling everyone to go see it.

Pictures - posting separately as they are on my phone. :)

We went with my daughters age 5, 6, 8 & 11.
Modern day take on an old classic. Beautifully done with lots of the old songs which made them sound modern. Thought it would be a bit cheesy but it was truly fabulous feel good movie.
DC loved it. Annie was their favourite character as she was so funny & cool. I loved Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan.
Both DCs & I would give the film 5 out of 5.
Screening was great. Popcorn & water was an extra treat.
Would highly recommend to anyone who loves the original - not sure if 1st timers would appreciate as much as it was the nods to the old movie that I loved.
Thanks for selecting us for the viewing- was a wonderful Christmas treat

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

I attended the film with my daughter and 3 of her friends. They are all aged 9 - 10.

1. Your overall summary of the film

I thought the modern take on the much loved older version was brilliant. It was contemporary and something that is perhaps not entirely impossible in the world and that’s what makes it so lovely. The bit about Will taking Annie in only to make himself look good is what the world is about but then one never knows when one starts genuinely caring. It was funny and sad and a perfect blend of entertainment and music. I didn't really like Cameron Diaz in the role as it seemed a bit of overacting there. Loved the songs.

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

The girls all loved the party (but of course!), they also said they got quite emotional when Annie had to leave Will. They also loved the song the girls sing in the foster home while working and sang it all the way back - in the tube!!
Their favourite character hands down was Annie – they loved her signing, her confidence and her faith in finding her parents.

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 it a 5 and so would the girls.

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

The cinema hall was lovely. The promised popcorn and water on the seats was very welcome and we liked that there were two flavours so you could share. It was also a really nice size.
The screening was great – peaceful without anyone being caught using their phone. I did see security with the night vision goggles though he didn’t need to use them. It was nice being able to enjoy a film without someone’s cell phone going off.

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

I would recommend it because I enjoyed it so much as did the children. I do think that it is more of a girly movie so may be more enjoyed by girls. It has just the right mix of everything to make it a very successful film at this time of year.

It was my DD's birthday the following day and she loved this outing with her friends so thank you Mumsnet for the opportunity.

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

I attended with my other half, my parents and my 18 month old son.

1. Your overall summary of the film

It really was a very good film, I'd go as far as to say the best recent family film since Nanny McPhee. All the roles were played wonderfully, it was very funny, and plenty of jokes aimed at adults too!

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

Hard to say due to his age but he loved Annie- kept calling her bubba, and the dog and all of the singing and dancing, he joined in quietly every time, bless him!

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 4.5. I think my D.c would go for the same.

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

It really was very good . The only things dc sits through are his 30 min films- The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and Room on the Broom. Do we were all shocked that he stayed awake and happily sat throught this entire film!! We all really enjoyed it, even the other half who usually hates musicals!

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

I absolutely would for all of the above reasons, We like it, my parents both enjoyed it and so did our little boy. The story line was great, great modern adaptation from the original, The entire cast were great in their roles, and the singing and dancing was wonderful too. It was a big hit all round here!!! Thanks Mumsnet and Annie xx

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

I went with my DH and our children aged 12, 10, 9 and 8

1. Your overall summary of the film

Everyone loved it . Only the adults and the older two children had seen the original and all thought it was a great remake . The younger ones were on the edges of the seat at the more dramatic moments .

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

They liked the chase scene at the end, especially other children finding Annie via Twitter and Instagram before the FBI.

Also the scene where the grill clean the house before the inspectors visit

And " all the funny bits " .

And when Anne first visits the penthouse apartment

Favourite character was definitely Annie. Although we had several votes for Mr Stacks evil assistant,because they thought 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)

We would all give it 4 or 5 stars

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

We attended at Braehead and the organisation was excellent . We arrived in good time and had a choice of seats . The free water and popcorn was a big hit. All the children at the screening were well behaved,even though there were quite a few toddlers

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie

Yes , it's a traditional feel good family film

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

Me, DH, and DCs aged 7, 5 and 2

1. Your overall summary of the film

Very good twist on the original Annie, without straying too far from the original storyline. Great to have some updated songs in there too. The lead actress who played Annie was excellent and very likeable on screen.

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

Favourite character was Annie, and they loved the bit were the girls all sing 'It's a Hard Knock Life' I have heard that song lots of times after seeing the films, it really stood out for the kids.

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 - it felt a little bit too long to me, but it was entertaining throughout, and my DC loved it - even the 2 year old!

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

The screening was excellent - we were greeted by a polite and friendly man at the door, the cinema was not too crowded, and having the lighting on slightly really helped to manage the kids. The water and popcorn were much appreciated.

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

I would definitely recommend it, the film had a lovely Xmas feel to it, it was upbeat and entertaining throughout. Cameron Diaz was a fantastic Miss Hannigan, and the lady who played the social worker was also very funny.

1. Attended with DH & DD 7.

1. Really excellent re-telling of the original Annie story. DH was sceptical about a re-make but was v pleasantly surprised. Thoroughly updated without changing too much and 'was such a relief that the new Annie was not remotely annoying - unlike the old one!'

1. DD's favourite part was a little joke right at the start of the film. Her favourite character was the female social worker 'who was just so funny' . I loved Cameron Diaz (who's acting skills I have never previously appreciated.)

1. DD -4.5

Me - 4 DH - 3 DH thought if sagged a bit in the middle.

5.lovely. Thank you!

1. Yes. Definitely. Already have.

Here is my review-

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

I took along my friends daughter age 9.

1. Your overall summary of the film

Great film, really enjoyed it, we were both singing along to the songs.

1. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why? She loved all of it, and Sandy, Annie and Grace where her 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)

5 out of 5

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Fantastic

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

Yes and I already have

Here is my review-

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

* I attended with my DS2 (aged 11) and niece (aged 10)

1. Your overall summary of the film

I thought it was brilliant- fantastic adaptation of the original. Modern twist and relevant to this generation - the 'back story' remained the same but very clever how they propelled it into modern day. When I saw that Cameron Diaz was going to play Miss Hannigan I couldnt see how this would work- however she was brilliant and again, the modern twist to her story really fitted the film well. The humour was great- lots of laugh out loud moments

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

DS would say that he loved the scenes with all the other foster girls in, especially the 'Little Girls' song segment. I loved the part where Annie is wearing her red dress to a function and sings 'Opportunity'- a lovely part to the film that I didnt expect.

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 would both give 5

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

Great experience, thoroughly enjoyed it.

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

Yes, already have. As soon as we came out I was straight on Facebook to tell everyone that they should watch it.

Oh- and I am not ashamed to say I cried!!

i attended with my children aged 9 and 6 and my mum. much better than i imagined it would be. my son loved the helicopter chase and when she could finally read. my daughter loved the film premiere party bit. my daughter loved the annie character and my son loved the dog. i would give 4/5 my children both give 5/5. screening was nice good atmosphere and no one annoyed each other.yes i would recommend it as a good film. its asa good as the original.

1. Who you attended the screening with - including ages of DC My daughter and I attended, me aged 34, daughter aged 11.
2. Your overall summary of the film Great feel-good family movie with a modern twist
3. What was your DC's favourite part of the film? Who is their favourite character and why? We found Miss Hannigan's (Cameron Diaz) flirting really funny. My daughter liked the fact that Will (Jamie Foxx) was a germophobe. She said he reminded her of me!
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) We'd both give it 3/5. Jamie Foxx is the best thing about this movie. Cameron Diaz's singing, was a bit cringey!
5. What was your overall experience of the screening? We really enjoyed it. Only thing that could have been improved is the fact that we weren't made aware of the fact that we had free popcorn and drink until we got to our screen, and we'd already purchased these exact items, so we could have saved money. The Sony rep was very polite, and the experience was great.
6. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Annie to friends and family? Why? Yes I would, everyone is familiar with Annie, and I like the modern subversion of the classic tale.

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

I went with my friend (who actually took me as the tickets were in her name), her DD (6) and my DD (7)

1. Your overall summary of the film

A remake of the Annie film with a modern take. The best songs kept in and some new ones added. Quite long but it didn't drag at all. Good action scenes.

3a. What was your DC's favourite part of the film?
"When Annie went to live with Will Stacks and had her own room and her own dog in the flat"
3b.Who is their favourite character and why?
"Annie because she sings nice songs - really beautifully and tells lots of stories"

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 DD: 5

1. What was your overall experience of the screening?

DD says "I was really shocked and really happy too to see a film that is not even out yet - I told all my friends" . I thought it was good fun and a nice treat. I may not have gone to see it without the screening but am really glad I did.

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

Definitely. It was a great remake, not saccharine sweet like the original and quite gritty. I really liked the start and the nod to the "old Annie" with the ginger Annie opening the film. A good fantasy and perfect for the age it was aimed at.

I took my son age 8, and daughters 11 and 15. We all enjoyed it, 8 year old loved it and 11 year old too.. eldest less so.
Cinema was very welcoming with free popcorn and water on every seat. It was longer than what I expected and there was lots of young children in the audience that definitely got restless after an hour or so.
I loved the songs and we all came out bouncy and feeling good..

Have the winners of the cameras been announced?

oooh yes!

when do you announce the camera winners?