Code Name: The Cleaner

Code Name: The Cleaner is an action-comedy film directed by Les Mayfield and released in 2007. This exciting spectacle stars renowned comedy actor Cedric the Entertainer, award-winning actress Lucy Liu, and renowned actress Nicollette Sheridan. The film uniquely blends elements of action, comedy, and intrigue to provide a thrilling and laughter-filled cinematic experience.

In the movie, Cedric the Entertainer, known for his quick wit and charm, plays Jake Rodgers, a character who wakes up in a hotel room with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He finds himself in possession of a suitcase filled with cash, a mysterious briefcase, and a dead FBI agent next to him. Confused and panicked, he tries to piece together his lost memory.

Jake's journey to uncover the truth behind his amnesia takes an even stranger turn when he goes back to his 'home', a luxurious mansion filled with bizarre items he doesn't recognize. Here he meets a woman, Diane (played by Nicollette Sheridan), who claims to be his wife. However, as Diane tries to help him recuperate his memories, he feels that something is amiss and doubts her intentions.

Adding to the confusion, Jake also encounters a sultry but sharp-tongued waitress Gina (played by Lucy Liu) who claims that he was in the middle of divorcing his wife. Gina, portrayed terrifically by Liu, is a complex mix of acerbic wit, sass, and kick-ass action woman. Her strange yet intriguing interactions with Jake often leave the audience wondering about her true role in Jake's puzzling existence.

Unraveling the clues about his real identity, Jake soon realizes that he might be a part of a high-level government operation. He ends up getting embroiled in a dangerous game of conspiracy, espionage, and action. As Jake gets more entangled in this web of deceit and danger, he starts to question who he can trust and who might be trying to manipulate him.

With his usual flair, Cedric the Entertainer seamlessly switches from high-octane action sequences to comedic scenes that pack a punch. Nicollette Sheridan and Lucy Liu beautifully complement him with their performances – Sheridan with her cold, calculated demeanor, and Liu with her fiery sarcasm and captivating charm. The dynamic relations between these three characters and their conflicting claims about Jake's past add another layer of intrigue and entertainment to the movie.

Code Name: The Cleaner also boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Mark Dacascos, Callum Keith Rennie, and Niecy Nash, all of whom bring unique flavors to the film. The movie engages its audience with a multi-faceted plot that includes amnesia, mistaken identity, secret government operations and a sprinkle of romantic tension, which are deftly woven together by director Les Mayfield.

Moreover, the film deserves commendation for how it interweaves comedy into the action sequences. The clever and humorous one-liners, coupled with action-packed scenes, give the movie its unique charm and reinvigorating energy. Furthermore, the film provides an intriguing take on the traditional amnesia storyline, adding elements of suspense and comedy to create a cinematic piece that is compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

The settings greatly enhance the movie’s appeal, with each location providing a backdrop that adds to the suspense and mystery. Visual elements like opulent mansions, dingy diners, secret government facilities, and bustling city streets all contribute to the film's overall ambiance.

In the realm of action-comedy flicks, Code Name: The Cleaner sets itself apart with its unique narrative approach, captivating performances, and effortless blend of suspense, action, and comedy. If you're an avid fan of witty dialogue, explosive action sequences, mysterious plot twists, and laugh-out-loud humor, this film is one you won't want to miss. It's a cinematic experience that intrigues the intellect even while tickling your funny bone. So, brace yourself for a roller coaster ride that is Code Name: The Cleaner.