The 2025 action comedy Heads of State wants you to like it. But be careful, it’s a trap. Or more accurately, traps. The bad guys, run by a Russian gun runner, seem to be unbeatable. They are not one, not two, but three steps ahead of the good guys.
In terms of action, Heads of State delivers. That is not all though. Director Ilya Naishuller knows his way around an action film. “Nobody” ring a bell? How about “Hardcore Henry?”
He also does comedy with a panache that practically leaves one speechless. The film is silly, let there be no mistake, but it entertains massively. The stunts, the action sequences, the interaction between the main characters, work.
Heads of State is jolly good fun and well worth a look.
The Heads of State Story
The UK Prime Minister and the POTUS manage to get on each other’s nerves while they work as a team. Their job? To stop Russian Gun runner Gradov and find the mole who is helping him. They also have to repair a crumbling NATO alliance.
If there is time, after they finish, the two disparate leaders intend to have some fish and chips.
The Main Cast
John Cena is President Will Derringer.
Idris Elba is Prime Minister Sam Clark.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is Noel Bisset.
Paddy Considine is Viktor Gradov.
Carla Gugino is VP Elizabeth Kirk.
Stephen Root is Arthur Hammond.
Jack Quaid is Marty Comer.
Sarah Niles is Simone Bradshaw.
Cameo Award Goes To
Sharlto Copley as Agent Coop.
Heads of State Works
The film works despite having enough writers on board to row a boat. Everyone delivers here. Jonas proves that she can still kick arse while making fun of herself. Cena, always good value for the money, is still one of the best comedic actors going. Elba brings a sort of world weary gravitas to every single role he plays, and he works well with Cena.
“I’m Eminem?” As spoken by PM Sam Carter, this is, perhaps one of the best lines of the film. It is indicative of the comedy level the filmmakers are aiming for here.
Comedy and Action
Pushing all those puns aside. Jack Quaid as Marty Comer kills it here. *Can I just mention that Quaid seems to be in everything at the moment. I halfway expect to see him flogging coffee on the telly next.* The scenes with the operative of the safe house are screamingly funny. His obvious delight that the plans he laid down for invasion are working is both touching and hilarious.
Not to be Taken Seriously
Heads of State is not to be taken seriously. It is, at turns, silly, sentimental, and slyly political. *Is there anyone who cannot see that VP Kirk is an overt dig at our current POTUS? I mean, come on! I am surprised that he of the huge ego has not complained.*
The plot line is unbelievable but fun. I laughed throughout and yet… The scene in Air Force One: The parachutes. A salute from a doomed secret service agent and the obligatory, “It’s been an honor sir,” almost brought tears.
The Heads of State Verdict
Heads of State is a solid 5 star bit of fun. The cast is spot on, the action brilliantly staged, the fights out of this world and the comedy is infectious. *Paddy Considine gives good villain, by the way.* You can watch this one on Prime. Take a moment on this patriotic day of celebration to have a good belly laugh.
The Trailer
