by Gemma Williams
The lovely and talented Anna Kendrick has been gracing our screens for quite some time now, but it wasn’t until the past few years that she started getting bigger roles and she became a must watch actress. In her new film, Into the Woods, she plays Cinderella and gets to show off her singing prowess in a completely different genre to that for which she has become known. If you don’t know who she is yet, here is a list of films that you really should consider watching.
The lovely and talented Anna Kendrick has been gracing our screens for quite some time now, but it wasn’t until the past few years that she started getting bigger roles and she became a must watch actress. In her new film, Into the Woods, she plays Cinderella and gets to show off her singing prowess in a completely different genre to that for which she has become known. If you don’t know who she is yet, here is a list of films that you really should consider watching.
End of Watch
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, End of Watch is a mockumentary style film about police on the beat. Kendrick’s character becomes romantically involved with Gyllenhaal and this is a must watch for Kendrick fans, new or old, simply for the epic wedding dance she and Gyllenhaal share for their first dance. It shows the fun she can bring to the character, whilst also the emotion (especially towards the ever harrowing end)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, End of Watch is a mockumentary style film about police on the beat. Kendrick’s character becomes romantically involved with Gyllenhaal and this is a must watch for Kendrick fans, new or old, simply for the epic wedding dance she and Gyllenhaal share for their first dance. It shows the fun she can bring to the character, whilst also the emotion (especially towards the ever harrowing end)
Twilight: New Moon (Ed: Really? REALLY?)
Though a disappointing series overall, Anna Kendrick brings her character, Jessica, to life and is one of the best actors in the films, despite being a supporting role. I specifically chose New Moon for this category because of the way she reacts to Bella wanting to talk to some shifty guys. Like any normal person would be, she’s dismayed and angry at her friend, yet saves the day. Kendrick’s facial expression and vocals made this scene as she berates Bella with a typical, preppy girl attitude. She gives some life to what was in the books quite a flat, stereotypical character.
Though a disappointing series overall, Anna Kendrick brings her character, Jessica, to life and is one of the best actors in the films, despite being a supporting role. I specifically chose New Moon for this category because of the way she reacts to Bella wanting to talk to some shifty guys. Like any normal person would be, she’s dismayed and angry at her friend, yet saves the day. Kendrick’s facial expression and vocals made this scene as she berates Bella with a typical, preppy girl attitude. She gives some life to what was in the books quite a flat, stereotypical character.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
She plays Stacey Pilgrim, Scott’s younger sister, who is judgemental and loves to advise her brother, or rather, boss him around. She has the attention span of a typical teenager with other things on her mind. Though she often overdoes the sarcasm and preppiness in this film, it works thanks to genre and is hilarious.
She plays Stacey Pilgrim, Scott’s younger sister, who is judgemental and loves to advise her brother, or rather, boss him around. She has the attention span of a typical teenager with other things on her mind. Though she often overdoes the sarcasm and preppiness in this film, it works thanks to genre and is hilarious.
Pitch Perfect
If you haven’t seen Pitch Perfect, where have you been? Kendrick plays the lead character of Beca, who has been forced to go to college by her dad, despite wanting to get experience as a DJ so she can pursue a career in music. After joining an accapella group, she starts to see things slightly differently. Beca is badass with a dry sense of humour. She struggles to make friends, and finds it even harder to keep them. She’s very independent and knows her stuff when it comes to music. It seems like this role was made for Kendrick. If you watch her in interviews, she seems to have a similar sense of humour as Beca.
If you haven’t seen Pitch Perfect, where have you been? Kendrick plays the lead character of Beca, who has been forced to go to college by her dad, despite wanting to get experience as a DJ so she can pursue a career in music. After joining an accapella group, she starts to see things slightly differently. Beca is badass with a dry sense of humour. She struggles to make friends, and finds it even harder to keep them. She’s very independent and knows her stuff when it comes to music. It seems like this role was made for Kendrick. If you watch her in interviews, she seems to have a similar sense of humour as Beca.
Up In The Air
Of course, a list about Anna Kendrick would be bare without mentioning her turn in Up In The Air! The Jason Reitman drama that saw Kendrick scoop up an Oscar nomination for her supporting role sees the young talented actress star alongside George Clooney and Vera Farmiga. Kendrick here plays cooperate ingénue Natalie who aims to cut out the need for downsizer Ryan Bingham to travel as much as he does. As he takes her on trips to show her the importance of travelling, he starts to develop feelings for his frequent flyer hook-up. Anna Kendrick is great alongside her more experienced counterparts. Enthusing visceral yet fun content to her character, Kendrick soars high here.
Of course, a list about Anna Kendrick would be bare without mentioning her turn in Up In The Air! The Jason Reitman drama that saw Kendrick scoop up an Oscar nomination for her supporting role sees the young talented actress star alongside George Clooney and Vera Farmiga. Kendrick here plays cooperate ingénue Natalie who aims to cut out the need for downsizer Ryan Bingham to travel as much as he does. As he takes her on trips to show her the importance of travelling, he starts to develop feelings for his frequent flyer hook-up. Anna Kendrick is great alongside her more experienced counterparts. Enthusing visceral yet fun content to her character, Kendrick soars high here.
Saturday Night Live
I realise this isn’t a film, but when she hosted SNL, it was awesome and deserves a place on her essentials list! She began with a Disney inspired tune and moved on to more controversial topics in the later skits. Her Little Mermaid impression was a highlight of the show as she started to get on the sea witch’s nerves.
She has proven herself capable of playing a variety of roles and being a lovable rogue. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
I realise this isn’t a film, but when she hosted SNL, it was awesome and deserves a place on her essentials list! She began with a Disney inspired tune and moved on to more controversial topics in the later skits. Her Little Mermaid impression was a highlight of the show as she started to get on the sea witch’s nerves.
She has proven herself capable of playing a variety of roles and being a lovable rogue. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
What Do You Think?
Are these films aca-excellent?
Or are they barking at the wrong moon?
Let us know your Kendrick favourites!
Into The Woods is out in cinemas now! Read Laura's review!
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