Heads of State (2025)

Release Date: June 28, 2025

Director: Ilya Naishuller

Starring: Idris Elba, John Cena, Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Runtime: 117 minutes

Genre: Action / Comedy

Streaming: Amazon Prime

OK—Admission Time

I love big, dumb buddy-action movies. Give me explosions, quippy banter, and famous people sprinting through chaos, and I’m usually happy. So when Heads of State popped up on Prime Video, starring Idris Elba and John Cena, I barely needed convincing. And while this film isn’t perfect by any stretch… it’s the kind of popcorn entertainment I’ll happily let blow out my speakers on a Friday night.

Plot Recap: Planes Down, Guns Up, and World Leaders on the Run

Here’s the setup:

Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) is the UK’s hyper-disciplined Prime Minister, a man who’d rather be discussing diplomatic policy than throwing punches. Will Derringer (John Cena) is the President of the United States—a former action movie star who never quite left his blockbuster mindset behind.

They’re on a plane heading to a NATO summit when, naturally, it gets shot down. Suddenly, the two most powerful leaders in the West are stuck behind enemy lines, dodging gunmen, surviving car chases, and desperately trying to prevent a terrorist plot from plunging the world into chaos.

Helping—or sometimes practically carrying—them is Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), an MI6 operative who’s got serious combat skills and a complicated history with Sam Clarke. She’s the one actually handling business while these two bicker their way across Europe.

It’s all very classic buddy-action territory. Think Rush Hour meets Olympus Has Fallen, but with more political titles thrown around.

Cast & Characters: Elba Plays It Straight, Cena Goes Full Clown, and Priyanka Runs Away With It

Idris Elba as Sam Clarke is everything you’d expect: stoic, serious, and looking vaguely annoyed by the entire plot. He’s basically the film’s anchor, trying to keep a straight face as bullets fly and John Cena ad-libs jokes beside him.

John Cena as Will Derringer is a walking hurricane of jokes, exaggerated expressions, and comedic pratfalls. Some of his humor lands—especially the physical comedy—and some of it falls flat. But there’s no denying Cena’s sheer commitment to the bit. Even when the jokes don’t work, you can’t accuse him of phoning it in.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Noel Bisset is arguably the best part of this entire film. She’s fierce, believable in the action scenes, and has an edge that makes her feel like a genuine secret agent. She’s not just there for eye candy; she’s genuinely involved in the plot and handles the physicality like a pro. She’s the one character who feels like she belongs in this chaotic world, and she completely holds her own opposite Elba and Cena.

One small gripe? A few solid supporting actors (Stephen Root, Jack Quaid) barely get to do anything beyond being background noise. It’s very much the Elba-Cena-Priyanka show.

Public Feedback: Action Wins, Story Takes a Hit

So far, Heads of State is getting a mixed-but-mostly-positive reaction from viewers and critics.

Everyone agrees on one thing: the action looks fantastic. People online are talking about how stylish and big-budget the film feels for a streaming release. The chase scenes through narrow European streets, the slick fight choreography, and the explosions all feel cinematic—even though this went straight to Prime.

But then there’s the writing. Reviews across the board point out the film’s biggest weakness: the plot is paper-thin. The jokes are hit-or-miss, and the geopolitics are basically an excuse to move from one big set piece to the next.

A lot of fans are enjoying it for exactly what it is—pure escapism with big stars doing goofy stuff. Others feel it’s a wasted opportunity for something sharper, especially given the talented cast and the global stakes the story pretends to care about.

In short: action and visuals? Thumbs up. Depth and storytelling? Ehhh…

Controversy: Cinema-Worthy or Streaming Filler?

No major scandal here—but there’s definitely some chatter.

Should this have been in cinemas? A lot of critics and film fans have been asking why Heads of State didn’t get a theatrical release. With its slick visuals and big-name cast, it looks like the kind of summer blockbuster that used to open on thousands of screens. Some think Amazon missed a chance for a crowd-pleasing theatrical hit. Others argue it’s the perfect kind of mid-budget movie that belongs on streaming now.

Political satire with no teeth. Some reviewers are also poking fun at the film’s lack of genuine political commentary. It sets up NATO summits and terrorist threats but ultimately uses them as excuses for jokes and explosions. There’s no real attempt at saying anything deeper about geopolitics.

Franchise talk. A mid-credits scene hints at a potential sequel or expanded universe. Some fans are excited about the possibility of more Elba-Cena antics, while others think one film was plenty.

Overall, the “controversy” is mild—more about industry trends and audience expectations than any actual drama on set.

Final Verdict: Silly, Flashy, and Totally Watchable

So here’s my take: Heads of State isn’t going to win awards or change the game. It’s thinly plotted, deeply silly, and sometimes tries too hard to be funny. But if you’re in the mood for flashy fight scenes, big explosions, and movie stars having fun, it’s honestly a blast.

Would I rewatch it? Yes—because sometimes you just want Idris Elba drop-kicking terrorists while John Cena cracks jokes beside him.

If you’re hoping for sharp satire or a brilliant script, this is not your movie.
If you’re craving two hours of chaos, charisma, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas being a total badass, fire up Prime and enjoy.

Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (7/10)

Slick visuals, solid laughs, and big-name charisma keep this watchable—even if the story’s as thin as diplomatic pleasantries. A fun ride for action fans.

➡️ Read more movie reviews, Hollywood controversies, and film breakdowns at The Tipsy Critic
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