HEADS OF STATE (AMAZON PRIME) (2025)

SYNOPSIS: The UK Prime Minister (Idris Elba) and US President (John Cena) have a public rivalry that risks their countries’ alliance. But when they become targets of a powerful enemy, they’re forced to rely on each other as they go on a wild, multinational run. Allied with Noel, a brilliant MI6 agent (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), they must find a way to thwart a conspiracy that threatens the free world.

MOVIE REVIEW:

We can’t believe we’re saying this but Heads of State is surprisingly entertaining for what looks like a disposable streaming action flick. Maybe it’s the second on-screen reunion of John Cena and Idris Elba after The Suicide Squad. Or maybe credit goes to director Ilya Naishuller who previously helmed the equally absurd and action-packed Nobody.

Whatever the reason, this cartoonishly violent film is undeniably fun and well-executed, filled with slick action and solid laughs.

Cena stars as Will Derringer, a hotshot Hollywood actor-turned-President of the United States. Elba plays his British counterpart, Prime Minister Sam Clarke. Naturally, the two alpha leaders don’t get along. Their constant bickering and one-upmanship form the core of the film’s buddy-comedy dynamic.

The plot kicks off with a botched CIA and MI6 mission to take down Russian arms dealer Viktor Gradov (Paddy Considine), resulting in multiple casualties and the disappearance of agent Noel (Priyanka Chopra Jonas). Now in control of the CIA’s global surveillance system, Gradov sets his sights on revenge, putting both Derringer and Clarke squarely in his crosshairs.

Let’s be clear: Heads of State is formulaic and predictable. The usual “buddy cop” tropes are all present, right down to the mismatched personalities forced to work together. Thankfully, Cena and Elba have undeniable chemistry and their banter helps elevate the clichéd script even if some of the puns wear thin.

Still, Naishuller delivers where it matters: the action. From hand-to-hand combat to over-the-top set pieces, the choreography is impressively inventive. There’s even a hint of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton-style physical comedy woven into the chaos. The final car chase featuring the President’s limo barreling through bullets and explosions is more thrilling than the last few Fast & Furious entries combined.

A few supporting players also stand out. Priyanka Chopra Jonas impresses as a badass field agent and Clarke’s potential love interest while Jack Quaid steals his brief scenes with a hilarious cameo as an enthusiastic low-level operative.

While the tone remains light and ludicrous, Heads of State does sneak in a few jabs at the current state of American politics including a subtle dig at NATO dynamics. Still, any deeper commentary is mostly drowned out by the film’s preference for spectacle and wisecracks.

In the end, Heads of State is a slick, dumb-but-fun action-comedy that knows exactly what it is. Thanks to a game cast, stylish direction and more charm than expected, this is one streaming title that punches well above its weight.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee