Not many actresses have earned appreciation of Elizabeth Banks. Since the 1990’s, Banks has become a feminist icon. Whether it’s frustrated mothers, news reporters or political leaders, Banks has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made in her career, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a fantastic book series that my cousin has grown up to treasure. I remember forming a strong bond with a cousin that appreciated a book series he considered to be iconic literature. A big fan of Katniss Everdeen, he always spoke fondly about a great book series that became a pivotal part of his routine. He would always love discussing a great book about corrupt governments that he found inspiring. My cousin often yearned to see Katniss Everdeen depicted on the big-screen. In 2012, Elizabeth Banks honoured the iconic book about games in her movie “The Hunger Games”. In the greatest role of her career, Banks portrayed the notorious host of a game show where teens fight to death causing despair. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Banks has spent most of her career playing heroines in romantic comedies. With “The Hunger Games”, however, the actress took a huge step out of her comfort zone by playing a literature character that’s well-known. Working alongside Jennifer Lawrence who is also outstanding, Banks honoured a book about games that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Effie Trinket is first introduced seeking to prepare tributes for the hunger games selection causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games” Elizabeth Banks’ best movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about competition which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about frightened teenagers participating in a bloodthirsty game, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actress that has made great movies in her career which have achieved fame.
2. Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed relationships with a teacher that appreciated the web-swinging superhero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero making him feel heard. In 2002, Elizabeth Banks honoured the iconic superhero achieving a fan following in her film “Spider-Man”. In the most supportive role of her career, Banks portrayed a news media journalist seeking to manage a newspaper company facing despair. It gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Tobey Maguire who is also outstanding, Banks honoured a web-swinging superhero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Betty first meets Peter seeking to prepare him for a meeting with Jonah Jameson is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles strong themes that would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a web-swinging superhero, it’s a superb reminder of an actress that has made great movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
3. Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit is a legendary race horse that my grandfather always loved dearly. I remember my grandfather grew up to treasure a legendary race horse in grave danger. Fond of horse racing, my grandfather always loved discussing a legendary race horse he found inspiring. He would always embrace a horse that competed in a tense race. In 2003, Elizabeth Banks honoured the legendary race horse in her movie “Seabiscuit”. In the most glamorous role of her career, Banks portrayed a woman that sought to prepare a legendary horse for competitions causing despair. Banks has always excelled at playing emotional women under stress, and “Seabiscuit” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Chris Cooper who is also outstanding, Banks created a compelling portrait of horse racing. For instance, the scene in which Marcela becomes aware of Seabiscuit as a horse that possesses great talent is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Seabiscuit” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about race horses, it tackles themes that would resonate with everyone. It delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Seabiscuit’s desire to win the race, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made unforgettable movies audiences embrace.
4. Love & Mercy
The Beach Boys are a legendary rock band that my uncle always loved dearly. I remember my uncle was once a huge fan of a rock band he grew up to treasure. He would always seek to teach my family about an iconic band with freedom of speech. Drawn towards the Beach Boys’ music, he loved discussing a bond that he considered iconic. In 2014, Elizabeth Banks honoured the legendary rock band with love and mercy in her movie “Love & Mercy”. In the most compassionate role of her career, Banks portrayed the lover of a famous musician facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone by playing an iconic woman that’s well-known. Working alongside John Cusack who is also outstanding, Banks honoured a rock band that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Melinda first becomes aware that Brian suffers from severe mental health issues is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Love & Mercy” a musical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the Beach Boys’ music to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of chasing dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Brian Wilson’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actress that makes iconic movies that captivate the public.
5. Catch Me if You Can
Con-artists engaging in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that adored con-artists committing crimes causing damage. My father would always speak fondly about con-artists engaging in criminal behaviour that he grew to treasure. As someone treasuring a father that admired con-artists with a plan, I adored “Catch Me if You Can”. Released in 2002, Elizabeth Banks’ movie depicted the true story of a con-artist. In the most mischievous role of her career, Banks portrayed a woman that engages in a doomed affair with a con-artist causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing brave women with rebellious behaviour. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who is also amazing, Banks honoured a con-artist that achieved fame years ago. For instance, the scene in which Lucy first meets Frank sparking their romantic affair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Catch Me if You Can” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about con-artists, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. 30 years after Frank Abagnale faced ail, it’s a bold reminder of an actress producing movies which rarely fail.
6. The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Losing virginity is a sensitive subject rarely depicted with respect in movies. Hollywood has often shied away from a touchy topic that is misunderstood. In an industry avoiding discussing the struggles of being a virgin, it’s worth praising “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”. Released in 2005, Elizabeth Banks’ comedy tackled the sensitive subject of virginity. In the most romantic role of her career, Banks portrayed a store owner that has a romantic affair with a virgin causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing heroines in romantic comedies. Working alongside Steve Carell who is also amazing, Banks created a virginity comedy that’s engaging. As strong as Andy’s desire to lose his virginity, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress making memorable movies audiences love dearly.
7. Role Models
Elizabeth Banks has always excelled at playing women that are emotional. Banks has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing heroines facing emotional damage. Banks’ strength for playing powerful women overcoming obstacles is clearly evident in her film “Role Models”. Released in 2008, David Wain’s comedy showcased the actress at her best. In the most comedic role of her career, Banks portrayed a woman engaging in a doomed love affair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women facing stress. Working alongside Paul Rudd who is also amazing, Banks created a comedy that’s captivating. As powerful as Danny’s desire to become a role model, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated actress that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.
8. Pitch-Perfect
Girls with pitch perfect singing shaped my identity. I remember forming a friendship with a girl in school that sought to become a famous singer. As someone treasuring memories of a friend whose voice was pitch perfect, I adored “Pitch Perfect”. Released in 2012, Elizabeth Banks’ movie captured pitch-perfect musical teen girls. In the most comical role of her career, Banks portrayed the manager of a singing competition seeking to prepare melodies people love to hear. It’s a role that gave the actress chance to showcase her sharp sense of humour. Working alongside Anna Kendrick who is also amazing, Banks created a musical drama that’s engaging. As strong as Becca’s love for singing, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured captivating movies in her career which are worth appreciating.
9. The Lego Movie
Legos are precious toys that my cousin always loved dearly. Several years ago, my cousin loved lego sets that gave him dreams to follow. He would always speak fondly about legos that shaped his identity. n 2014, Elizabeth Banks honoured the legacy of legos in his movie “The Lego Movie”. In the most animated role of her career, Banks embodied a lego seeking to discover his identity in a world facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her aptitude for creating larger-than-life animated characters. Through her commanding voice, Banks created an animated lego that’s compelling. Working alongside Chris Pratt who is also amazing, Banks created a lego movie that’s engaging. A terrific tribute towards a beloved children’s toy, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress making great movies that audiences enjoy.
10. Spider-Man 3
Elizabeth Banks hasn’t always made great movies earning high ranks. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Spider-Man 3” falls into the latter category. Released in 2007, Sam Raimi’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Banks portrayed a dedicated female journalist seeking to assist a superhero facing despair. Banks brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Spider-Man 3” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Bank’s legacy. As strong as webs Spider-Man has woven, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actress with strong dedication that has created a great reputation manufacturing movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 