Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.
I enjoyed the energy that was visible on the screen, and the sumptuousness of the production numbers, and the good humor of several of the performances. Read full review
This charming musical based on the comic strip character Little Orphan Annie features many memorable songs and pleasant dance numbers. Read full review
It's big, colorful, slightly vulgar, occasionally boring and full of talent not always used to its limits. Read full review
Annie turns out to be a reasonably entertaining movie. Read full review
Annie remains a heartwarming tale, with fine music and decent acting performances. Read full review
In an effort to be more 'realistic' Annie winds up exposing just how weak a story it had to start with [stage play book by Thomas Meehan], not helped here by the music [songs by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin]. Read full review
In the end, this musical is not a disgrace - Huston has too much experience to let the thing die. But he cannot summon the magic required to let it live. Watching Annie is like being buried alive in balloons. [21 May 1982] Read full review
The movie offers an insulting "let them eat cake" gesture toward the 1982 audience, but the pacing is so ragged and the characters so lifeless that few will be able to stay awake long enough to feel offended Read full review
Producer Ray Stark and director John Huston have relied more on the rigid style of the comic strip than on the high-steppin' pizazz of the Broadway show. They've transformed a big-hearted hit that won seven Tonys into a small- minded musical. [18 Jun 1982] Read full review
Director John Huston offers production numbers full of empty extravagance, a host of familiar characters (like Punjab and the Asp) with little to do - and a chorus of baby Mormans knowingly strutting their stuff, breaking the sound and charm barriers. Read full review