Heads of State (2025) – A Review of International Hijinks and Humor
Directed by Ilya Naishuller, Heads of State (2025) brings together an intriguing ensemble featuring John Cena, Idris Elba, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, among others. Set against the backdrop of high-stakes geopolitics, this action-comedy attempts to spin a tale of cooperation in the face of international chaos. But does it deliver? Let’s find out!
Synopsis: A Global Conspiracy Unfolds
In Heads of State, the UK Prime Minister and the US President find themselves in a precarious situation when a traitor within their ranks targets them for assassination during an Air Force One hijacking. United against a global conspiracy, they must navigate their differences and uncover the truth.
Dynamic Duo: Cena and Elba
Director Ilya Naishuller crafts a comic yet action-packed narrative that explores the contrasting leadership styles of President Will Derringer (Cena) and British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Elba).
- Will Derringer is depicted as the lighthearted and somewhat goofy leader, a stark contrast to Sam Clarke, who embodies a more serious and traditional approach to governance. Their differing personalities provide a fertile ground for comedic clashes. For example, Will’s self-deprecating acknowledgment of his desire to work with auteur filmmakers like Wes Anderson or Bong Joon Ho adds a meta-textual layer that film enthusiasts will appreciate.
Action Meets Comedy: A Mixed Bag
While Cena and Elba’s banter has its moments, the action sequences leave much to be desired.
- Ilya Naishuller treats audiences to stylish fight choreography and snappy camera work, but the PG-13 rating dulls the film’s edge, rendering the action weightless and cartoonish. Financial constraints become apparent in larger set pieces, where shoddy CGI contrasts sharply against the intended excitement of the narrative.
A Thin Plot with Outlandish Elements
The screenplay, crafted by Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, and Harrison Query, grapples with absurd narrative threads, including a pun-loving special forces agent (played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas) and the chaos of a global arms dealer. While entertainingly outlandish, the film’s fast-paced antics often feel like a mishmash lacking coherence.
Music Choices: A Misstep
The film’s soundtrack features bewildering needle drops that enhance rather than detract from the overall experience. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” plays randomly post-train incident, making viewers question the creative decisions behind such choices.
Conclusion: A Letdown from a Talented Director
Despite the star power of Cena and Elba, Heads of State feels like a half-hearted attempt at comedy and action. The film’s generic messaging fails to inspire, coming off more as a product of algorithmic filmmaking than the bold vision one might expect from Naishuller.
While enjoyable in parts, this film ultimately leaves you craving a deeper, more engaging experience.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★★ | Movie: ★★
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