By BETH JONES
THE ROANOKE TIMES

Archives Reprint

   The filmmakers behind "Agent Cody Banks" envisioned a 007 adventure for the middle-school set. Trouble is, kids that age will see right through this lame cheesefest.

    Frankie Muniz, who plays Cody, is no James Bond. He's likable as the boy genius on TV's "Malcolm in the Middle," but he just doesn't work as a secret agent. When he kicks butt in the fight scenes, you have to laugh. Muniz's character is supposed to be 15 years old, but he looks like a scrawny 11. He couldn't take down Barney, much less an overly tan villain who's set on destroying the world.

    Some parents may take younger children to the flick, expecting something like the family-friendly "Spy Kids." Bad idea.

    For one thing, our half-pint CIA operative seems to have the ladies on his mind 24/7. He uses his magnetic X-ray sunglasses to look through women's clothes.

    Then there are the continuous close-ups of Angie Harmon's cleavage, accompanied by the sounds of Nelly's "Hot in Herre."

    Then there's the film's idiotic opening stunt, in which Cody grabs onto a moving car while riding his skateboard. Who knows what a kid who sees that might try while pretending to be a secret agent.

    Nor does the movie have much entertainment value (considering that it had four credited screenwriters and was executive produced by Kentucky Fried Chicken spokesperson Jason Alexander, should we be surprised?)

    Our protagonist lives a normal life in a middle-class home in Seattle - or so we're led to believe. Gradually, we learn Cody trained to be a CIA agent while his parents thought he was at summer camp.

    Harmon plays Agent Ronica Miles, a go-go boot-wearing CIA agent who's charged with helping Cody with his first assignment: befriending a blonde cutie named Natalie (bland Hilary Duff). She's the daughter of a scientist who is working on a potentially dangerous invention.

    It may be an impossible mission, though. Cody knows how to jump-kick villains and walk on ceilings with special sneakers. Unfortunately, the CIA forgot to teach him how to talk to girls.

    Once again, we must return to director Harald Zwart's obsession with Harmon's character, who is described in the movie's press materials as being "unbelievably hot." C'mon, she's nearly twice his age. It's as if Zwart couldn't decide whether to rip off James Bond or "The Graduate."

    Agent Cody Banks

    At Valley View Grande 16, Carmike 10 at Tanglewood Mall, Salem Valley 8 and the Grandin Theatre. Rated PG for action violence, mild language and some sensual content. One hour, 35 minutes.

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