Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London DVD Review:

When rebel agent Diaz (Allen) steals the prototype mind control software from the CIA right under Cody Banks’ (Muniz) nose, the Director (David) sends the teenage super spy on his trail. He manages to track him down to London and goes undercover as a musical prodigy at Jo Kenworth’s (Chancellor) school for gifted musicians, who’s husband might just be Diaz’s UK contact. It is now up to Cody to get the software back as all the world leaders will become targets when they meet at Buckingham Place in three days.

The teenage CIA agent returns but is this sequel going to buck the trend that the second movie isn’t as good as the first. Not in the slightest.

The first Agent Cody Banks adventure was quite a fun take on the Bond franchise. With lots of stunts, gadgets and girls Frankie Muniz was the American version of James Bond Jr. His second adventure seems to lose most of these aspects. Usually when a movie is a success the second film has a slightly higher budget but this movie just comes across as cheap. Yes Cody’s new mission is in London, so the added cost of a location shoot comes into account but everything is a decidingly average and uninventive. The gadgets are dull, there is only one possible love interest and stunts are lacklustre.

The story doesn’t fare any better either. Setting the film in the UK just gives the lazy screenwriters the chance to use up the clichéd English jokes that grace all mainstream American movies. Everyone is ridiculously posh and pompous with us Brits not able to solve anything without the help of the Yanks. The plot is also far too over the top, with the whole mind control element stinking of unoriginality.

What the film does have going for it is Frankie Muniz. It is impossible not to like this young actor and he does his best with the limited material. The real shame is that his character had some real potential but this dreary second outing could easily put an end to the franchise. Former S Club member Hannah Spearritt is OK as love interest Emily and hopefully this project won’t damage her fledgling movie career. Anthony Anderson is his usual annoying self however; playing the same part he plays in every movie he ever appears in, the irritating sidekick. The support isn’t much better. Keith Allen is far too over the top as villain Diaz, James Faulkner is so stereotypically British that it is embarrassing and the same can be said for Anna Chancellor.

The first Agent Cody Banks adventure showed some promise but the sequel is a giant step backwards. Kids will still enjoy the exploits of the boy spy but if you really want to watch some good mini-secret agents, watch the Spy Kids movies.

Star Rating = * *

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Widescreen 2.35:1 Anamorphic with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is good. Agent Cody Banks’s London mission is presented with a crystal clear picture as we follow the spy around the British capital. The picture is sharp throughout with no pixelation at all, even during the more energetic action sequences. The sound quality is also good, especially during the explosive chase scene.

BONUS FEATURES

Agent Cody Banks: Back In Action (8.19 mins)

Director Kevin Allen, producer Dylan Sellers, stunt co-ordinator Jim Dowdall and stars Frankie Muniz, Keith Allen, Anthony Anderson and Anna Chancellor take you behind the scenes of the new Cody Banks adventure. The featurette gives you an insight into the action comedy, the action sequences, the high tech gadgets and the new locations in the sequel.

Deleted Scenes (2.58 mins)

Three deleted scenes entitled “Plotting by Air”, “Diaz’s demand” and “Brushing Don’ts”; reveal more about Diaz’s diabolical plot.

Extended Scenes (3.35 mins)

Three extended scenes entitled “Cody caught on Tape”, “Cody break’s in” and “London Ride” expand on Cody’s infiltration into the lab and outlining the mission to Emily.

Outtakes (4.00 mins)

A montage of mishaps from Frankie Muniz, Anthony Anderson, Keith Allen and Anna Chancellor as the actors cracks up with laugher and gets their lines wrong.

Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery (1.51 mins)

A montage on of publicity and behind the scenes stills from Agent Cody Banks.

Theatrical Trailer (1.31 mins)

The full trailer for the teen-spy sequel

OVERALL

An average film gets an average DVD treatment from MGM. While this might be a kid’s movie, the standard of extras could have been a lot better. The inclusion of a commentary track would have added to the value and a few more featurettes, covering more aspects of the movie such as special effects and stunts. Cody Banks fans will be disappointed with this DVD.

DVD Star Rating = * *

Jamie Kelwick

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