Code Name: The Cleaner (2007)

Code Name: The Cleaner is the kind of breezy, mistaken-identity caper that knows exactly what it wants to be: a light action-comedy with a crime-mystery hook and a comedian at the wheel. Cedric the Entertainer sells the central gag—an ordinary guy suddenly treated like a dangerous operative—with an easy charm that keeps the paranoia fun instead of grim, while Nicollette Sheridan adds a slick, flirtatious edge that keeps you guessing. Director Les Mayfield keeps the pace moving, mixing shootouts and chases with everyday absurdity, so the whole thing plays like a harmless late-night thriller you can enjoy without doing homework. It’s not for viewers craving a hard-edged conspiracy film, but if you’re in the mood for a serviceable, lightweight ride with a few genuinely entertaining turns, this one goes down smooth.

Code Name: The Cleaner is trying to mash up a mistaken-identity spy thriller with broad, PG-13 Cedric the Entertainer comedy, aiming for a light, goofy ride with a “regular guy caught in a conspiracy” hook. The problem is the humor often feels stale and the action beats come off more cheesy than exciting, so the movie drifts instead of building real momentum. If you’re hoping for a sharp spoof, clever twists, or tight pacing, this can feel like a long setup for punchlines that don’t quite land. On the plus side, Cedric has an easygoing charm and there are a few fun fish-out-of-water moments, so it’s best suited to viewers who don’t mind a dated, low-stakes action-comedy that coasts on vibes rather than plot.