Spy Kids started the genre of the younger folk saving the world. Clones came and Malcolm in the Middle's Frankie Muniz proved to be a successful one in Agent Cody Banks. The inevitable sequel is now hitting DVD with some face changes and a London location.
Muniz returns as the teen who could. Cody Banks unfortunately helps his "Camp Counselor" aka double agent Diaz (Keith Allen) escape from the CIA in a sting covered up as a drill. So the top brass send Banks over to merry old England to help recapture Diaz and prevent him from working with a mad scientist to blow up a G-8 like summitt.
While there one of my favorite actors of late, Anthony Anderson, puts on a good role as Banks liason, Derek. Providing most of the comic relief of the film, Derek gives this bland film a kick in the pants that was very needed.
Hillary Duff is out and Banks new interest is British Intelligent Agent Emily (Hannah Spearritt) only he thinks shes just some band genius. In fact Banks is posing as a world class clarinet player and gets a self playing clarinet that saves him in the nick of time.
The film is cookie cutter making for an average film that is enjoyable at moments but mostly something only children will enjoy. Spy Kids is even getting lamer with each incarnation so here's to stopping with two Cody Banks.
The Disc:
MGM has included both the widescreen and standard transfers here. The 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer really highlights what a good film can look like on today's technology. I must admit I was impressed with the blacks and colors of this disc. Equally impressive is the soundtrack which really accents the action sequences that are sparse but effective. There's even an orchestral version of War, What is it good for? that chimes through brilliantly.
Extras on the disc are plentiful beginning with Agent Cody Banks: Back in Action, a 9-minute featurette that admittedly offers little more than glossy promotion. There's no real substance here but I did enjoy viewing this piece.
Next up is Spy on the Set a visual cast commentary with Muniz, Anderson and Hannah Spearritt that geniunely spies through freezing the screen during moments for the cast to reflect on the movie making process. I enjoyed the format here and think other films should take note.
Next up is "Agent Mode" Interactive Quiz that opens with a video introduction from Anthony Anderson and Frankie Muniz and asks viewers questions to see just how closely they've been watching. I must admit this is no simple quiz and actually shows some thought process.
Next are some Deleted and Extended Scenes, a Still Gallery which offers up some captures from the set and of course Trailers.
bottom line:
Cookie cutter entertainment that offers a few laughs that fade away like an old elvis in a nursing home. Worth tossing on for a family night of fun but nothing with long term possibility. Here's to no more Agent Cody Banks.
3 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
