Helmed by Ilya Naishuller, Heads of State, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, John Cena, and Idris Elba, is packed with slick action, sharp-witted comedy, and delightful performances!
Action comedy is probably the most sought-after genre worldwide, and we are not complaining. After all, who doesn’t love some cheeky one-liners, zesty drama, and high-octane action sequences?Ilya Naishuller'slatest offering, Heads of the State, delivers it all with some style, sparks, and plenty of star power. Nothing genre-defining or pathbreaking here, just two hours of pure fun, chaos, and entertainment!
The film opens with the visuals of a joint operation carried out by the FBI and MI6, headed by Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) in Buñol, Spain. The covert mission fails miserably, resulting in the death of several agents, with even Noel presumed dead. The action then pans to London, where US President Will Derringer (John Cena) and UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) meet to discuss clean energy. The leaders do not get along well, and their differences become public as they share a stage for a press meet where the two take sly digs at each other. The situation further deteriorates when the leaders are asked about the failed Buñol operation, where Derringer and Clarke go on to expose their lack of compatibility even further. As a damage control measure, it is suggested that the two travel together to the G20 conference in Italy, as a show of solidarity. However, the security inside Air Force One is compromised, forcing the two to jump off the aircraft and navigate their way ahead.
At its core Heads of State is just another action comedy laced with themes of espionage, unfaithful bureaucrats, and political misfires, but the presentation is spirited enough to keep you invested throughout its run-time without making you realize it. Naishuller handles a considerably familiar plot with great flair and fineness that is elevated by some brilliant action pieces, the banter between the leads, and crisp editing by Tom Harrison-Read. Watch out especially for transitions in two shots, where characters explain how they survived fatal attacks, they are fun and innovative.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas steals the show as the no-nonsense operative who is tasked to safeguard the two world leaders. She is sharp-witted, fearless, and has little patience for the pointless bickering between the heads of states. The actress stands out in almost every scene, at times even overpowering Elba and Cena thanks to her commanding presence and uber-cool attitude. PeeCee packs a punch in this film with her flawless execution of action sequences and, body language that can convince even the most hardcore critics that she can be entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding two of the biggest leaders in the world. Credit also to the makers for presenting her in a power-packed meaty role in a genre that usually reduces female characters to ornamental pieces.
The equation between Cena and Elba entails the film’s comical and emotional base. The chemistry between the duo is effortless, and their banter and verbal spats land delightfully well. The scenes where the actor-turned-president Derringer’s over-optimism clashes with the over-pragmatism of the former military officer turned Prime Minister Clarke deliver some of the most entertaining moments of the film. Watch out for scenes where the two meet for the first time and their eventful joint press conference that shifts things south. Their dynamic is so well executed that it lets you overlook the slow pacing of the second half of the film where some sequences felt stretched and could have been trimmed for better efficacy.
Nonetheless, Heads of State remains a palatable experience that keeps you hooked thanks to its slick action, zingy punchlines, and measured performance by the leads.
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