Thursday, March 13, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Mercury

Film: Agent Cody Banks doesn't stack up to formidable Spy Kids franchise

By Bob Grimm

The talented Frankie Muniz of TV's "Malcolm in the Middle" fails yet again in his bid for big-screen stardom with Agent Cody Banks, a sad Spy Kids/James Bond hybrid that is completely lacking in stylistic charm and a sense of humor. After last years' pitiful Big Fat Liar, Muniz desperately needed something with a little more zip than this vapid kid's stuff.

The film offers an intriguing premise: The CIA is secretly training kids at summer camps to be super-agents, unbeknownst to the children's parents. The kids walk around with their little secret, something I would consider potentially scarring to their young psyches, until their country needs them. When called upon, they spring into action like miniature 007s, saving the world while surrounded by women with big breasts.

Yes, this is a kid's movie, but there are plenty of cleavage shots provided by Angie Harmon as a CIA agent assigned to the young Cody (Muniz). Harmon's wardrobe will surely provide enough of a reason for 12- to 15-year-olds to sneak into this one for a peak. Disney Channel hottie Hilary Duff also appears as Natalie, Cody's love interest, and the focus of his somewhat confusing mission.

A super scientist, Natalie's dad, has created microscopic robots that are a sort of Terminator-termites, eating surfaces that they are programmed to destroy. It struck me that villains could just pour acid on whatever surface they wanted to do in. It would be far less expensive, scientists need not be involved and it would have a much more mischievous ring to it.

The movie boasts some fun potential in its opening sequence when Agent Cody springs into action on his skateboard, rescuing a toddler in a runaway car. The subsequent plot where Cody must semi-stalk and eventually rescue Natalie is a yawner.

Robert Rodriguez is hard at work on Spy Kids 3-D, a film that promises better action and visuals, three-dimensional effects and Sylvester Stallone as a bad guy. Muniz would've done better to cameo in that superior franchise, because the one he currently anchors is a major stiff.