Family features don't come much more clichéd than this limp junior spy caper sequel. Relocating the action to London, director Kevin Allen delivers a picture-postcard vision of Britain that's so hackneyed it will set adults' teeth on edge. Malcolm in the Middle's Frankie Muniz returns as the teen CIA operative, this time posing as a gifted pupil at an exclusive music school to track down a mind-control gadget stolen by rogue agent Keith Allen (Kevin's brother). With few dramatic visual diversions and a weak script littered with low-level humour, the film feels like a cheap and rushed cash-in, with little evidence of the original's charm and smartness. From Paul Kaye's eccentric inventor to Mark Williams's overly officious police inspector, there's not a stereotype left unused, while the unrealistic United Nations-style caricatures of Muniz's fellow music students border on the offensive. Still, pre-teens may enjoy a few giggles, and the chirpy presence of ex-S Club star Hannah Spearritt as Cody's Scotland Yard counterpart should also attract youngsters' interest.

With all-new gadgets, high-flying action, exciting chases and a wisecracking new handler, Derek (Anthony Anderson), Cody has to retrieve the device before the world's leaders fall under the evil control of a diabolical villain.