Code Name Banshee is an action-packed film featuring Antonio Banderas and two strong female protagonists. Banshee (Jamie King) is a contract assassin who learns Caleb Navarro (Antonio Banderas), a former CIA operative, is now considered expendable by the agency. Caleb has a $10 million dollar bounty on his head. Anthony Greene (Tommy Flanagan) and his ruthless gang are after Caleb and expect Banshee to give them the information they need to locate Caleb. Flashbacks reveal the reasons why Caleb is no longer trusted by the CIA and explain the details of the relationship between Banshee and Caleb. A variety of camera angles and close-up shots reveal the facial expressions of the leading roles throughout this revenge thriller.
From the start, Code Name Banshee offers up plenty of shooting action. With revolvers in both hands, and assisted by her computer hacker offsite, Banshee takes out all the security people as she makes her way up the high-rise building to locate Anthony Green. Green offers Banshee money to tell him where Caleb is hiding out. Banshee refuses, and, after a shoot-out between Banshee and Anthony Green’s group, Banshee gets away. Working with her computer geek, Banshee locates Caleb in a tavern in New Jersey.
Since he hasn’t seen Banshee in years, Caleb is distrustful of Banshee at first, but she is able to convince Caleb she is looking out for him by telling him about the bounty on his head. The two individuals have a past together; Caleb trained Banshee in black operations and was also close friends with Banshee’s father. In a CIA deal that went south, Banshee’s father was shot; thinking he is dead, Caleb escaped. Banshee’s father’s body is never found and Banshee is not sure if her father is alive or not. Caleb does not offer any helpful information.
Anthony Green’s men locate Banshee’s computer hacker who gives up Caleb’s location in exchange for money. Meanwhile, Banshee becomes acquainted with Caleb’s grown daughter Hailey (Catherine Davis) and the three of them prepare to confront Anthony Green’s men. Caleb stays at the tavern and Banshee and Hailey arm themselves at the house with revolvers, rifles, and grenades.
With lots of shooting, close-up fighting, and violence, the two women defend themselves against all of Anthony Green’s fighters. The ending does not reveal what really happened to Banshee’s father—if he is deceased or a traitor. Fans of Antonio Banderas and female protagonists may find this action film entertaining. Strong optional.
What public library shelves would this title be on?
Code Name Banshee is a thriller, action, or adventure film.