Blu-Ray Review: 'Agent Cody Banks' and 'Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London'

This week, Jeremy Morrison emerges from his home theater with fresh review of two new releases from Olive Fims — “Agent Cody Banks” and “Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London.” Both flicks have just hit Blu-ray from the good folks at Olive Films. The films star Frankie Muniz, Hilary Duff, Angie Harmon, Ian McShane and more.

First, a quick synopsis of each film:

‘Agent Cody Banks’ Synopsis: James Bond. Matt Helm. Cody Banks. Super spies all … with one exception: Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz, TV’s Malcolm in the Middle) is a 15-year-old CIA operative who has to make sure his chores are done before saving the world.

Under the watchful eye of CIA handler Agent Ronica Miles (Angie Harmon, TV’s Rizzoli & Isles) Cody is called into service to investigate Dr. Connors (Martin Donovan, Trust), a scientist employed by the nefarious organization known as ERIS headed by the dastardly Dr. Brinkman (Ian McShane, TV’s Deadwood) who’s bent on destroying the world’s defense systems in order to rule the planet.

When Natalie Connors (Hilary Duff, Cheaper by the Dozen), Cody’s high school crush and the daughter of the eminent scientist, is used as leverage to force her reluctant father to aid Dr. Brinkman in his plans, Cody springs into action. The spy game will never be quite the same in the action comedy Agent Cody Banks.

Directed by Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid) from a screenplay by Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Zack Stentz and Ashley Edward Miller, Agent Cody Banks co-stars Keith David (Larger Than Life), Cynthia Stevenson (The Player) and Darrell Hammond (TV’s Saturday Night Live).

Actors: Frankie Muniz, Hilary Duff, Angie Harmon, Ian McShane

‘Agent Cody Banks: Destination London’ Synopsis: Frankie Muniz (TV’s Malcolm in the Middle) returns as adolescent agent Cody Banks in Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London.

It’s action across the pond this time around when Agent Cody Banks is called on to help locate stolen plans for a mind-control device. With the aid of his new handler, Derek (Anthony Anderson, TV’s Black-ish), and MI6 undercover operative Emily Sommers (Hannah Spearritt, Seed of Chucky), Cody’s in hot pursuit of the dastardly Lord Duncan Kenworth (James Faulkner, TV’s Da Vinci’s Demons), the mastermind behind the plot.

Directed by Kevin Allen (Twin Town) from the screenplay by Don Rhymer (story by Rhymer, Harald Zwart & Dylan Sellers based on the characters created by Jeffrey Jurgensen), Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London co-stars Keith David (Road House) as the CIA Director and Cynthia Stevenson (The Player) as Cody’s mother, reprising their Agent Cody Banks roles.

Actors: Frankie Muniz, Anthony Anderson, Hannah Spearritt, Keith David, Cynthia Stevenson

THE REVIEW: The Agent Code Banks films are not aimed at everyone, as you probably know, but they sure are a lot of fun if you fall into the target demo. I watched both movies in a back-to-back marathon and I’m glad I did as I felt myself forgiving the sequel for not being continuing on with the tone of the first film.

The first Agent Cody Banks is a fun ride of a film featuring Frankie Muniz as a teenage James Bond type spy. Muniz comes across as a small fish in a big pond perfectly. The film takes itself seriously enough to please the adult viewers while giving the younger members of the household their own version of their parents beloved Bond films. The gadgets are exciting, the action is witty, and the tongue-in-cheek humor gets a giggle from everyone viewing.

The sequel loses a little something, mostly the aim at the parents that were dragged along with their tween children. This time out Muniz is the biggest fish in the smallest pond, adored by everyone and capable of all tasks asked of him. Much like the Bond films that began to churn out year after year, Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London has become too sure of itself and is aimed at the youngest of viewers in the house. That being said it is still rather enjoyable to watch with the little people in your life. Not everything is for you, reader. Sometimes you have to step aside and let your children have a little fun. If you have them. If you don’t, then you’re probably having enough fun in life without this flick. Besides, the over the top antics are fun for what they are.

The next time you’re in need of a birthday or holiday gift for the young cinephile in your life, hop over to Olive Films and throw these flicks in their collection. The discs looks great and are packed to the gills with special features and behind the scenes looks!

THE VERDICT: Movie night…family movie night!

Jeremy Morrison – Staff Writer
Co-creator/host of the Acid Pop Cult Podcast, film reviewer, screenwriter, Jeremy has more than eight years experience in television and film production. His childhood fascination with the naked breasts featured in the “Friday the 13th” franchise prepared him for absolutely nothing in life. J-Mo lives by one motto: #wecantallbezacksnyder
Twitter: @acidpopcult
IG: @almostgothim

Jason Price

Jason Price founded the mighty Icon Vs. Icon more than a decade ago. Along the way, he’s assembled an amazing group of like-minded individuals to spread the word on some of the most unique people and projects on the pop culture landscape.