It seems we have been waiting a looooong time for ANNIE to finally arrive in theaters, which it will do next week on December 19th. The new version of the classic stars Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis and Cameron Diaz. I had a huge treat early this fall when Sony Pictures invited me to a special press event in Minneapolis to meet Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis and director Will Gluck.
There were two reasons this event was extra special. The first is that it was the first screening in the world of ANNIE. The second is that it included a HUGE surprise for members of the local Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities. While the kids all thought they were just going to see a very early screening of the movie, they were actually treated to an introduction by Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis and Will Gluck themselves! Check out this short video clip from ET.
Before the screening, two of my local blogging buddies Marybeth of BabySavers.com and Kim of MommySavers.com and I had a chance to meet Jamie, Quvenzhané and Will and ask a few questions.
Jamie spoke about why he wants to give with events like this. He said that by having kids see someone like Quvenzhané they can see themselves in her and teach them that no matter what your dream is, you should never give up on it.
Quvenzhané told us what it was like working with Jamie and (with only a “little” prompting from him) told us, “He's funny…….and handsome…..and really nice.” She also said that when she found out she got the role of Annie she jumped up and down and started screaming right on the side of the road where they got the call.
Will Gluck summed things up by saying the reason Annie makes a rest story is because it has a great message about trying to find your families – no matter what you think your family is.
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.
ANNIE will be coming to theaters every December 19th 2014.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I am still so in love with the 80’s version of the movie (after all these years), so I am going to sit this one out, but I am sure it will do very well 🙂
Debbie L. says
Annie looks like such a cute movie…a new twist to a favorite classic.
Debbie Denny says
Wow. I can’t wait to see this. Looks like a good movie.
Kecia says
I’m sure that was a nice surprise, getting to meet the actors instead of just screening the movie. I am sure Quvenzhané Wallis was in inspiration to them all.
Jaime says
I need to see this over the holidays. I think it’s going to be fantastic!!
Kristin says
Looks like a fun time! Movie screenings are a lot of fun. I plan to take my girls to see it.
Catherine S says
I would be fun to go to a movie screening. This looks like a really cute movie.
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I had wondered when this movie was going to come out. I really wanted to take kiddo to see it.
Liz Mays says
I’m looking forward to this movie! I love the main cast!
Melissa Pezza says
I can’t wait to see this! I loved the play, I loved the first movie, and I’m sure I’m going to love this, too.
Melanie of Que Means What says
I’m already in love with the fact that they re-made ANNIE and now I love it more that they had a special screening for BBBS! So awesome
Shell says
This is one movie I can’t wait to see. I am looking forward to see what they do with the story.
Jeanine says
Wow how amazing. I need to see this. I’ve never seen any version!
Nina Say says
This looks like such a fun event! This movie comes out on my daughter’s birthday so we’re going to take her to watch it.
Pam says
I can’t wait to see this movie when it comes out. It looks really good!
Pauline C. says
I’m definitely gonna watch this movie. The sun will come out tomorrow!! I saw Annie musicals before and it’s fantastic.
Tracey says
What an awesome event! I am really excited for this movie.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am very excited to see this movie. I grew up watching the original Annie. It was my favorite movie.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
I love me some Jamie Foxx! I really want to see the new Annie movie!
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
I think Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz are both great actors! I can’t wait to see this modern day spin on Annie!
Rosey says
The previews are so funny! I will be seeing this one.
Onica {MommyFactor} says
That was nice a nice surprise for the local Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I bet they enjoyed that. What a fun event.
krystal says
Jamie Foxx is hysterical. I can’t wait to see this one.
Christie says
It’s so exciting that they’re doing an updated version! I really really loved the old Annie
Camesha | Mama Motivator says
I agree. It has taken a while for this movie to come out! I am looking forward to it!