Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004)

Excellent but underrated film

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Rushed sequel to the 2003 surprise hit "Agent Cody Banks"; this one flopped at the box office and effectively terminated any plans for a series. Teenagers in an undemanding mood might still go for it, but adults may not be so forgiving. Though the cast tries, and there are a few cute and amusing moments, the film is overall uninspired and by-the-numbers. Even the London footage doesn't add much. ** out of 4.

Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004): Dir: Keith Allen / Cast: Frankie Muniz, Anthony Anderson, Hannah Spearritt, Keith David, Cynthia Stevenson: Campy family fare with nothing to do with London other than its destination. It might have been fitting had the title bore some cultural reference but the film seems content with being simple. Teenager Cody Banks is sent to London to retrieve a disc that contains a mind control device. He is assisted by his handler, played by Anthony Anderson and sent undercover at the music academy even though he cannot play an instrument. Dull formula premise climaxing with kitty violence, as if these Conservative groups are suppose to applaud that. Director Keith Allen is backed by creative gadgets that assist Cody on his mission. Frankie Muniz is likable as Banks but he is merely repeating what he has done before with little new development. Likewise Anderson is a fine comic talent but he never rises above that into a broad three dimensional role. Hannah Spearritt plays a young British agent who deserves better than being a potential heart throb. Other roles are flat or downright stupid but that more or less what the plot boils down to. Pointless drivel becomes the typical sequel offering little more than an opportunity to cash in on previous success. Forget London. Its best destination will be any place where trash bins exist. Score: 2 / 10

Cody Banks is back in an all new high energy adventure with new gadgets, slick special effects and wicked chase sequences.This film starred: Frankie Muniz, Anthony Anderson & Hannah Spearritt.Agent Cody Banks 2 is better than the first but it is still not that good of a film, again like the first film it is good when you are younger, but again as you get older this is a boring film. These films are like James Bond but for kids, and I don't like that, it is such a bad idea when you look at it now. Not really recommended unless you have kids because they will probably enjoy this film.**/***** Poor.

The plot for Cody Banks 2 was so bland and dull and silly. But considering this is geared toward 12 year olds, I don't expect it to have the plot of A Beautiful Mind. But what I do expect is some imagination and funny jokes. I mean, one of the gags in this film was an attacking Beanie Baby, very silly. In this film Cody is at an undercover spy camp. The leader at the camp turns bad and steals some computer disks that can be used for mind control. So, Cody is sent to London to track him down and the scientist who plans on using mind control. His undercover act is to be a musical prodigy. The husband of the lady who runs the music school is the scientist. He also has a couple of agents who act a bit silly to help him out.I also have to comment on the ending at Buckingham Palace. It lasted way too long and was just so dull. I just don't get how a script like this could have been given the green light.FINAL VERDICT: Not as good as the first. Not very fun. Maybe a 10 or 12 year old may like it, but if you are older than that, I wouldn't waste my time with this.