Most teenagers feel like a fish out of water. But in Cody's (Chez Starbuck) case, it's actually true. On turning thirteen, the young swimming star goes through changes that make puberty look like a walk in the park. He can conduct electricity. He develops a sticky substance on his hands and feet that allow him to stick to ceilings. When exposed to the sun, he breaks out in scales. His science project partner, the school nerd, uncovers the fantastic truth that Cody is actually a mer-boy, placed with a human family by his mermaid mother. As coincidence would have it, the nerd's dad is a fisherman who thirteen years before had a close encounter with Cody's mom, and has been trying to convince people ever since that mermaids do exist. Lame dialogue and shallow performances (particularly by overly cutesy Lisa Stahl and Dave Coulier as Cody's clueless human parents) sink this live-action fantasy that originally aired on the Disney channel. While just about any G-rated family entertainment is tempting bait, you'd be well advised to toss this one back. Not recommended. (K. Lee Benson)