Considering this musical has its roots in Depression-era America, the filmmakers contemporary take on the material is eerily lacking in observations about the current rich/poor divide. In fact, with a just a few alterations, this film could just as easily have been called Poor People Suck. Early on, there's a scene where Will Stacks goes to a soup kitchen for a publicity stunt. Hes grossed out when he tries some of the food, so naturally, he spits it out in a homeless mans face. This isn't played as a setup for the character to ultimately learn about the perils of poverty. Instead, its played simply for laughs. The underlying pro-materialism message of the film is laid on particularly thick during two of the films original songs Opportunity and The Citys Yours which are basically capitalistic anthems that Gordon Gekko wouldn't sound out of place singing during an office meeting. The joy of the 1982 version of Annie is that you can be happy and fulfilled regardless of your economic class. This remake seems more concerned with inspiring kids to get rich by any means necessary. Its like The Wolf Of Wall Street for preteens.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
