Christmas came early for illegal downloaders as hackers infiltrated Sony Pictures during Thanksgiving weekend by leaking “Annie” and other 2014 movies. Annie modernizes the classic Broadway musical and breaks barriers with the world’s first Black Annie, played by Quvenzhané Wallis.

Also starring Jaime Foxx, Cameron Diaz, and Rose Byrne, Annie is a movie the entire family can enjoy.  This seasonal musical is filled with age-appropriate laughter and impressionable song. But, it is 11 year old Wallis that holds the film’s fate in the palm of her small hands.

Wallis is fun, adorable, and most important, relate-able. Little Black girls and children without families around the world can easily gravitate towards the shining presence that Wallis has on screen.  She has so many notches on her belt; however, the Academy Award nominee can add most adorable to her resume too. 

Every child will leave the theaters mimicking little orphan Annie’s tunes and dance moves- just like they did with Frozen! 

Cameron Diaz should scratch musicals, singing, and anything that requires harmony, pitch, and rhythm off her bucket list.  The There’s Something About Mary star sang like her life did not depend on it.  Even in the movie, the plot purposely pokes fun at her character’s bad musical talents.

Digital hacking and piracy has reached an all-time low.  In this case, the attack has created diplomatic turbulence and financial loss. The FBI has identified North Korean ties to the cyber attack on Sony Pictures. President Obama held a press conference on December 19 disagreeing with Sony’s decision to pull ” The Interview” – a comedy about a plot to kill North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.  President Obama claims the Asian country was “imposing censorship”.

Sony Pictures released an official statement: “Those who attacked us stole our intellectual property, private emails, and sensitive and proprietary material, and sought to destroy our spirit and our morale – all apparently to thwart the release of a movie they did not like.”

The problem with Sony’s adversity and setback is the multi-billion dollar entity is basking too much in their sad ambiance.  Instead of moving quickly and diplomatically, they have created a huge domino affect of unnecessary, rash decisions.  

I agree with President Obama. However, Sony should have never created this chaos by initially supporting such a movie with such controversial topic.  Don’t run scared now, Sony!

4 Stars: Unfortunately, Annie is a harmless bystander deeply effected by recent events.  This cyber attack should not deter audiences from witnessing this excellent, holiday film.  Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie is a true inspiration, making an historical, timeless impact on every young girl across the globe.