Agent Cody Banks Review

Messages: Good triumphs over evil. In a fantasy world, kids can be as powerful and heroic as adults. 

Role models: Though loving and kind, Cody's parents are gullible and ineffective. Adult authority figures (mostly members of a farcical CIA) are far less intelligent than their youthful counterparts, and are mostly rigid and clueless. One Asian stereotype -- a driving instructor -- speaks pidgin English and is an exaggerated caricature. Rich kids are described as "spoiled brats"; they harass and haze the hero. There's ethnic diversity throughout the cast. 

Violence and scariness: Almost nonstop exaggerated action, starting with a baby at the wheel of a careening, out-of-control car and his rescue by a skateboard-riding teen daredevil in the opening sequence. From then on there are: fist fights, martial arts battles, jet ski and snowboard chases, a wild driving lesson, fires, crashes, launches through glass, a melting face, numerous narrow escapes, the "plastification" of a villain, a tense countdown to a massive explosion, and assorted falls, captures, and rescues. Despite all of the above, the violence is not played as real and most characters do not die on camera. 

Sexy stuff: Cody’s statuesque CIA handler wears low-cut tops and bare midriffs. Some kids ogle girls' breasts; X-ray glasses reveal  girls' underwear; boys and men leer occasionally, once at a sexy holograph. In one comic sequence, Cody is instructed in seduction and attracting girls. 

Language: Scattered potty language: "crap," "screwed." Twice Cody is asked, "Are you in Special Ed?" which is meant as an insult. 

Consumerism: Cap'n Crunch, Albertson's Markets, Seattle's Best Coffee, Lo-Jack, Ruffles chips.  Clearly identified autos: Volvo, GMC, Ferrari. 

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue