'Annie' movie brings classic musical to new generation

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The lovable orphan "Annie" returns to the big screen in a re-imagined version of the hit Broadway musical.

Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis plays the title role of the upbeat little girl who's on a quest to find the parents who gave her up. Like her onscreen alter ego, Wallis says she too looks on the bright side of life.

"Yes, I am positive," Wallis said. "I guess you could say that. No one likes a negative. Everybody loves a positive."

In the film, Annie tugs at the heart of Jamie Foxx, who plays the billionaire who saves Annie's life.

"It's really a trip to be out at the mall or be somewhere and kids run up and say, 'We can't wait to see Annie.' So, it's a really good feeling," Foxx said.

Rose Byrne co-stars in the film and considers her character kind of like Annie's fairy godmother. The actress is not known for singing and dancing but she enjoyed this experience.

"It's not overly stylized. It's very organic, the dancing, it's kind of messy. It's kind of real," Byrne said. "It's like, it's supposed to be just like life."

Cameron Diaz gets the chance to step into an over-the-top role once made famous by Carol Burnett.

She plays Miss Hannigan, the woman who runs the foster home where Annie and several other girls live.

"I really wanted this Hannigan to be a new Hannigan for this generation of kids, because we made this film for, you know, this generation of kids that may never see the original," Diaz said.

"Annie" is rated PG. It's in theaters Friday, Dec. 19.