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Code Name: The Cleaner (2007) movie poster

Spoiler-Free Summary

Code Name: The Cleaner (2007) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

Release, runtime and language
2007 · 84 min · English
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Directed by
Les Mayfield
Starring
Cedric the Entertainer, Lucy Liu, Nicollette Sheridan
Budget
$20M

After suffering a blow to the head, Jake, played by Cedric the Entertainer, finds himself with amnesia and a confused identity. Caught in a web of mistaken identity, he becomes involved in a dangerous government conspiracy. Both the CIA and FBI believe he possesses vital information, leading to a high-stakes chase as he struggles to recover his memories and prevent a massive arms deal from taking place.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What it is about
  3. 3 Is it worth watching?
  4. 4 After you watch
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Code Name: The Cleaner
  7. 7 Every angle
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Spoiler-free summary · safe to read

What Is Code Name: The Cleaner About? (No Spoilers)

The plot of Code Name: The Cleaner (2007) without spoilers: what it is about, who it follows and where it takes place, told without the twists or the ending. Enough to decide whether it is your next watch, not enough to ruin it.

In a world where hidden agendas pulse beneath the surface of everyday life, a single moment of violence can upend a man’s entire sense of self. After a sudden blow to the head, Jake awakens with a blank slate, his past evaporated and his identity muddled. The city around him thrums with the quiet urgency of covert operations, and whispers of a looming arms deal loom like a storm on the horizon. This setting, a blend of sleek government facilities and gritty urban backstreets, establishes a tense, fast‑paced atmosphere that teeters between thriller and dark comedy.

Jake—portrayed with the signature wit and warmth of Cedric the Entertainer—finds himself at the center of competing forces. Both the CIA and the FBI are convinced he holds the key to stopping a catastrophic weapons transaction, and their relentless pursuit turns the streets into a high‑stakes cat‑and‑mouse game. His confusion becomes a double‑edged sword: the very amnesia that disorients him also shields him from the full weight of the conspiracy, allowing him to navigate danger with an unexpected, improvisational charm.

Amid the chase, two enigmatic figures drift into his orbit. Diane appears to claim a personal connection, offering a lifeline that blurs the line between ally and mystery. Meanwhile, Gina surfaces in an ordinary setting, hinting at deeper ties to the shadowy world Jake has stumbled into. Their interactions provide a mix of humor, tension, and fleeting moments of trust, suggesting that relationships forged under pressure can be as dangerous as the missions they pursue.

The film balances pulse‑pounding suspense with a light‑hearted, almost absurdist tone, inviting viewers to wonder whether Jake will ever piece together who he truly is—or if the chase itself will redefine his identity. As the pursuit escalates, the audience is left with the tantalizing promise of a showdown that could reshape the balance of power, all while keeping the focus firmly on the bewildered protagonist’s journey through a world that refuses to let him forget.

Last updated: August 10, 2025 at 09:47

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What to expect

Is Code Name: The Cleaner Worth Watching? What It Feels Like

Is it dark, sad, slow, intense or confusing? The mood of Code Name: The Cleaner (2007) in a few tags, without a word about how it ends. Each tag opens a list of movies that feel the same.

After you watch

Seen Code Name: The Cleaner? Now Read the Spoilers

Once you have watched Code Name: The Cleaner (2007), come back for the full story: the plot summary with spoilers, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning.

Movie threads

More Movies Like Code Name: The Cleaner, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Code Name: The Cleaner tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Funny Amnesia Movies like Code Name: The Cleaner

Humorous mysteries where the hero must piece together their own identity. If you enjoyed the chaotic fun of Code Name: The Cleaner, you'll like these movies where characters with memory loss stumble through dangerous and silly situations. Discover other comedies and action films that use amnesia as a springboard for mistaken identity, frantic chases, and lighthearted mystery.

  • confused
  • silly
  • mistaken identity
  • lighthearted
  • chaotic
  • escapade
  • Tone: light, silly
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread begin with a character who has lost their memory, creating an immediate personal mystery. The plot unfolds as they react to external pressures—often from villains or allies who believe them to be someone else—while trying to uncover the truth about their own past, leading to a series of comedic misadventures and reveals.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared premise of amnesia used for comedic effect, blending mystery with lighthearted action. They typically feature a fast pace, low emotional stakes, and a tone that prioritizes silly situations and character-based humor over genuine tension.

Mistaken Identity Spy Comedies like Code Name: The Cleaner

Ordinary people mistaken for secret agents in over-the-top adventures. Find more movies like Code Name: The Cleaner where regular folks are caught in spy conspiracies. These films blend action and comedy with a fish-out-of-water premise, offering a lighthearted and energetic take on the spy genre without the heavy drama or intense violence.

  • action-packed
  • fish out of water
  • spoof
  • energetic
  • silly
  • improvised hero
  • Tone: light, playful
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows an ordinary protagonist who, through a case of mistaken identity, is forced to play the role of a secret agent. The story is driven by a series of improbable escapes, comedic action sequences, and the protagonist using their unremarkable skills in unexpectedly clever ways to survive and triumph.

Why they belong together: These movies share a specific comedic subversion of the spy genre. The core similarity is the fish-out-of-water dynamic, a light tone that pokes fun at spy tropes, and action that is presented as chaotic and fun rather than gritty and realistic.

If you liked this

Movies Like Code Name: The Cleaner

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Every angle

Code Name: The Cleaner (2007) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Code Name: The Cleaner in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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