Agent Cody Banks
Rated PG for action violence, mild language and some sensual content.
reviewed by Christopher Lyon
Here’s the concept behind “Agent Cody Banks:” Every guy between the ages of 7 and 15 dreams of being a James Bond-style secret agent at one time or another. Why not create a fantasy for them starring “Malcolm in the Middle’s” Frankie Muniz as the 15-year-old spy who can beat up bad guys but can’t quite talk to cute girls. It’s not an original idea, but neither is a 20th James Bond movie. That doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.
The Story
Without his parents’ knowledge, Cody Banks (Muniz) was recruited into the CIA’s junior agent training program at a summer camp when he was 13. Now 15 and known around his school as the guy who can’t talk to girls, Cody is called into action by the Agency. His mission? Get the cutest girl at an exclusive prep academy to fall for him.
The CIA wants Cody to get close enough to Natalie (Hilary Duff) that he can figure out what her scientist father is cooking up for the mega-villains of ERIS (Ian McShane and “The Mummy’s” scary-and-goofy Arnold Vosloo). Once he gets himself invited to her birthday party, he’ll have to use all his spy gadgets (including a tricked-out iPod) and best moves to find out the truth and dodge the bullies from the prep school.
Of course, he also has to dodge his parents and annoying little brother (not named Dewey), as well as figuring out a way to get his homework and chores done. Oh, and then he’ll have to save Natalie and, maybe, the world.
The Verdict
Of course, teenage secret agents are nothing new. Most recently, the “Spy Kids” movies have proved that there’s a big audience out there for junior world-savers. While “Agent Cody Banks” doesn’t get any points for originality, it ends up being a fun family film (and much better than “Spy Kids 2”).
Somehow, the movie finds about the right balance between having fun with the whole goofy premise and delivering some decent action. The performances are a big help. I like Frankie Muniz in “Malcolm,” and he’s likable here as awe-struck but competent junior agent. Angie Harmon plays Cody’s “hot”-but-tough CIA leader/partner. In spite of her revealing and form-fitting outfits, she develops a good chemistry with Muniz.
The villains are also fun. “The Mummy’s” Vosloo sports a mostly shaved head, a cloudy glass eye, and a wicked scar on his throat. He’s scary looking, but he also wears velour workout suits, giving him just enough silliness for this story.
The plot is straight out of a James Bond movie, with several purposely Bondian moments. But instead of feeling like another rip-off, “Banks” has fun with the whole thing, playing it big and loud. It all works out exactly the way a twelve-year-old boy might dream it up while playing James Bond in the backyard.
Not everything in the film works, though. Some of the stunts and fight scenes are a little lame, and the special effects don’t always convince the eye. The dialog is occasionally clunky. And at times, it feels like sections of the story have been edited out without explanation.
The PG comes from some action violence, very few swear words, and Angie Harmon’s revealing wardrobe. There’s also a kickboxing training scene between Harmon and Muniz that ends up with the two in some awkward positions together.
Worldview
It’s normal for teenagers, especially guys, to fantasize about saving the world, being the hero, getting the girl. We want that excitement and adventure, and we want people to respect us for our abilities. Of course, in real life, you’d have to get well beyond your teen years before any government is going to trust you with gun, badge, or souped-up spy car.
But if you’re a Christian, you don’t have to wait until you get your driver’s license or high school graduation to start living a life that really matters. Paul wrote this to Timothy, who was a young leader in his church: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
What the church and the world need right now are teens who are willing to step up to the job of learning to live like Jesus in front of both peers and adults. Don’t let anyone (including yourself) convince you that how you live doesn’t really matter until you get a lot older. It matters to God and to the people He’s put in your life right now. Why not accept that mission?
It’s just too bad it doesn’t come with any cool gadgets.
Discussion Questions
• Do you like Frankie Muniz in “Malcolm” on TV or in the movies he’s been in? Why or why not?
• Have you ever imagined scenarios in which you were a secret agent or did something super heroic? Why do you think people do that?
• If you were offered the opportunity to be in a CIA training program, would you take it? Why or why not?
• What would you say is your mission in life right now?
• If you’re a Christian, can you think of any good reason to wait until you get older to take your relationship with God seriously? If so, what?
Let us know what you thought of this review!