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Code Name: The Cleaner

Name: Code Name: The Cleaner
Director: Les Mayfield
Released: 2007
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

2007

PG-13

Director

Les Mayfield

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This mainstream action-comedy focuses on genre clichés rather than social critique. Its key strength is placing a Black actor in a central, actively leading role, enhancing racial representation within a commercial context. However, the film remains traditional in its social structure, failing to challenge gender hierarchies, LGBTQ+ visibility, or institutional norms. The use of memory loss as a plot device also lacks depth in addressing disability issues. Ultimately, the movie operates as a standard genre piece, making some progress with its casting but not pushing the boundaries of cultural or social representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Code Name: The Cleaner have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows a typical action-comedy storyline. It doesn't include non-binary gender identities or stories that question the assumption everyone is straight.

How does Code Name: The Cleaner portray gender?

Limited

Jake is the main driver of the plot, and the story relies on traditional gender roles without challenging male dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Code Name: The Cleaner?

Fair

Placing Cedric the Entertainer in a high-stakes lead role offers meaningful representation. This avoids putting actors of color in secondary roles.

How does Code Name: The Cleaner represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story follows standard Hollywood conventions. It upholds Western institutions without questioning them.

Does Code Name: The Cleaner include disability representation?

Minimal

Memory loss is used as a plot device for the 'fish out of water' cliché. It doesn't provide a detailed look at cognitive disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film provides meaningful racial representation by centering a Black actor in a actively leading, lead role.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks meaningful LGBTQ+ integration or non-binary gender identities.
Gender dynamics remain traditional and don't challenge male leadership roles.
Disability is used as a functional plot device rather than a nuanced character trait.
The story reinforces Western institutional norms without critiquing them.

Official Synopsis

Cedric the Entertainer plays Jake, a seemingly regular guy who has no idea who he is after being hit over the head by mysterious assailants. When he finds himself entangled in a government conspiracy, Jake and his pursuers become convinced that he is an undercover agent.

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