Heads of State review: The action comedy starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, John Cena and Idris Elba is packed with fun and flair
MARKING her continued ascent as an action star, Priyanka Chopra Jonas steps into the boots of Noel Bisset, an elite MI6 agent, to protect two of the world's most high-profile leaders – John Cena as Will Derringer, an action star turned the President of the United States, and Idris Elba as Sam Clarke, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In this buddy action comedy, Clarke and Derringer, who constantly exchange barbs and make their dislike for each other public, eventually team up to save themselves and the world. The two heads of the state are forced to parachute out of Air Force One when the aircraft is attacked and their security is compromised. They land in a border area of Belarus and make their way to Warshaw in a sheep truck. From then on, the film packs a series of cross country chases, gunfights and fisticuffs that are aimed at keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
The movie, however, starts with Noel Bissett getting grievously injured during a visit to Spain's Buñol on a mission when people are celebrating La Tomatina festival. Turns out she has not only survived that but she is entrusted with the task of ensuring the safety of Clarke and Derringer, who become the targets of a powerful and ruthless foreign adversary. Bissett and Clarke, it is also revealed, were connected romantically in the past while working in the forces.
Caught in life-threatening situations as they are forced to rely on each other, Clarke and Derringer are also united in their belief regarding what makes the world a better place. Together they have to find a way to work together to thwart a global conspiracy that threatens the entire free world and make sure NATO continues to fulfil its objectives. A little focus on this crisis would have given the narrative more depth.
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Even though the film occasionally becomes predictable, it remains engaging thanks to its three lead actors and slickly choreographed action sequences. As the ever-optimistic President, John Cena delivers a likable performance, while Idris Elba brings his signature coolness and wry British humour. Chopra, who Jonas has appeared as an action star in a host of movies (Don, Mary Kom) as well as series (Quantico and Citadel), in the Ilya Naishuller-directed film, seems most comfortable enacting the high-energy action scenes.
The banter between the heads of state is enjoyable, if not uproariously funny. The camaraderie between Cena and Elba adds a spark to many scenes. Chopra Jonas handles the physically demanding stunts with ease. While the script by Josh Applebaum, André Nemec, and Harrison Query doesn't offer many surprises, it leans into its wacky tone to deliver a consistently entertaining action-comedy.
Streaming on Prime Video from June 2.
Director: Ilya Naishuller
Cast: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino
Rating: 3 Stars
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