The Wasteland Reviewer

Heads of State (2025) Written Review

How much do we miss 90s style action buddy flicks? The 80s and 90s were a special time for action films that struck a specific type of tone and energy. Most action films today are superhero films or big blockbusters filled with endless CGI. But every so often, we get treated to an action film that feels more tangible and a good call back to previous eras of the genre. John Wick and Mission: Impossible are the genre leaders today but there is an appetite for more grounded and character-based action film. Heads of State might be a big-scale action film with global implications, but its real focus is the global leader tandem Of John Cena’s United States President Will Derringer and Idris Elba’s English Prime Minister Sam Clarke. This action flick finds these two leaders on the run and must save the world from a global conspiracy. 

Does Heads of State offer up what we all want from a film like this…impressive action? Not perfect but the action crafted by director Ilya Naishuller and his team delivers for sure. There are some impressive action sequences throughout the film. There are well choreographed fight sequences with a nice mixture of physicality and a sense of humor. There is a wild assault on Air Force One which features the most effects (which are surprisingly solid) in the film and plenty of exhilarating elements and plenty of danger. There is a hilarious action sequence featuring a big hero moment for one of the more minor characters bolstered by some well-chosen Beastie Boys. The highlight of the film though is a wild chase sequence that comes to life with effective visual effects, a good sense of humor, plenty of bullets, and some Motley Crue. The film certainly has some heavier moments (including a tragic opening action sequence where most of the good guys don’t make it out alive) but Naishuller goes for more of a campy and fun tone for much of the film. This does undermine the bigger idea themes of the film (which are serious geo-political issues) but Naishuller’s choice in tone is right for a bonkers 90s style action flick. 

Does the screenplay by Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec, and Harrison Query deliver just as much fun? You will realize quite quickly that this film’s weakest link is the writing. Sure, there are plenty of fun one-liners, quips, and puns which will bring some laughs. The humor is the strength of this script. But when you look at the thematic work of the film, it goes too broad and too soft on details. This leaves much of the geo-political thematic work ringing hollow. The film lacks depth, which is honestly not a big deal for an action film like this but when the film’s whole concept is centered around political leaders, it should probably have some more bite. There are some fun storytelling elements like some silly montages to explain characters’ journeys off screen but other than that, there is not a lot here that feels fresh. There are plenty of cliches and expected beats along the way. On top of that, the big “mystery” of who has betrayed these two men is so ineffective and tired and it could be seen coming a mile away. No…the audience is stuck waiting for the film to reveal this and just move on after it. The plot is a bunch of destinations which might not be the freshest approach, and you just must take it for granted. All that being said…this is still a wild good time along the way. 

Does the cast bring the energy and personality? Outside of the great action, the dynamic duo at the center of this film makes it so effective. Elba is just so cool. He brings a tired and “over it” attitude to the situation as he was a long past of dealing with precarious situations. His smooth line delivery and effortlessly cool slinging of quips is satisfying. Cena is the opposite. He embodies his character’s need to try too hard and puff out his chest. There is plenty of insecurities and silliness in this US President and that is in no small part to the fully committed Cena performance. Priyanka Chopra-Jonas gets a good opening sequence to stand out as well as some fun moments in the third act. Chopra-Jonas’ character doesn’t have many layers to work with, but her physicality and charism go a long way. There are plenty of other famous actors to grace this film from Paddy Considine to Carla Gugino to Stephen Root, but they don’t get a lot to work with. Jack Quaid on the other hand…he shines bright in his limited screen time. He is funny and charismatic and will be happy to get in a wild, over-the-top “shoot-em-up”. 

Is Heads of State a surprising hit for Amazon? This is by no means a great film…but it is plenty of fun! Elba and Cena make for a great odd couple who just have the right amount of chemistry to make this film so much fun. This action is a real reason to jump into this action thriller action with some over-the-top action and campy needle drops along the way. This has a big scale concept but the less you think about all the geo-political issues, the more you will enjoy the film.