Entertainment Blog #369 | Heads of State [2025] : Presidents in Action...

When it comes to big-budget action comedies, especially ones that mash up politics, explosions, and buddy dynamics, they can either be insanely fun or just weirdly chaotic. And with “Heads of State,” you get exactly that mix. It’s one of those movies that tries to be both silly and cinematic, and it usually works.

“Heads of State” is an #action #comedy #movie that streamed worldwide on Prime Video on July 2, 2025. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, this movie pairs two unlikely world leaders who literally have to team up to stop a global crisis. The movie stars Idris Elba, John Cena, Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, Paddy Considine, and Carla Gugino. The movie became very succesful in the platform.

The story starts with a joint CIA-MI6 operation that goes disastrously wrong, setting the stage for tension between nations. Britain’s Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Elba), a veteran but somewhat grumpy leader, is hosting a state visit from the President of the United States, Will Derringer (Cena)..... yep, a former action movie star turned president. The two don’t exactly get off on the right foot, especially when a press event turns into a public rivalry, and they’re advised to fly together to an important NATO summit.

While in the air, their plane (Air Force One) is shot down over hostile territory by forces connected to a Russian arms dealer named Viktor Gradov. Suddenly stranded in Eastern Europe and presumed dead, Clarke and Derringer are forced to put aside their egos and work with MI6 agent Noel Bisset (Chopra) and a CIA officer named Marty Comer (Quaid) to survive, uncover a global betrayal, and stop the conspiracy from destroying their nations.

The film basically becomes a globe-trotting chase full of explosions, betrayals, shady assassins, and last-minute escapes, yet all wrapped in a buddy action comedy vibe. There’s thrilling action, a bit of political satire, and lots of humorous one-liners as the reluctant duo slowly learn to work together. It's great to see two action stars in one movie.

Critics had mixed feelings about it. Some called it “stupid fun” with a thin story but strong lead chemistry, while others praised its old-school buddy comedy energy and average action set pieces. It’s not the deepest movie of the year, but it’s definitely entertaining if you’re in the mood for big explosions and silly political satires.

So will Clarke and Derringer finally save the world and learn to like each other? Can they stop the conspiracy before NATO crumbles? And are national leaders really great adrenaline junkies in disguise? It’s up to you to find out.