When the U.K. Prime Minister and U.S. President become the targets of a foreign adversary, they are forced to rely on each other to thwart a global conspiracy.When the U.K. Prime Minister and U.S. President become the targets of a foreign adversary, they are forced to rely on each other to thwart a global conspiracy.When the U.K. Prime Minister and U.S. President become the targets of a foreign adversary, they are forced to rely on each other to thwart a global conspiracy.
- Awards
- 1 nomination total
Alexander Kuznetsov
- Sasha the Killer
- (as Aleksandr Kuznetsov)
Featured reviews
I went into Heads of State with no huge expectations - just looking for some good action and laughs - and honestly, I came out smiling. This film does exactly what it promises: it entertains. The chemistry between Idris Elba and John Cena is fun to watch. They both bring energy, timing, and their own flavor of comedy and action to the screen.
Yes, the plot is exaggerated and the situations are over the top - but that's the charm. It's a classic action-comedy throwback where the point is not to analyze every twist but to enjoy the ride. The pace doesn't slow down, the action sequences are slick, and the humor lands more often than not.
I especially liked how the movie never tried to take itself too seriously. The characters know they're in a wild situation and they lean into it. It's self-aware in the right ways. Also, the music and editing style keep the energy high throughout.
Some people might try to compare it with other spy-action comedies, but I think this one stands on its own. It may not be a deep or groundbreaking film, but it never pretends to be. It's here for fun, and it delivers exactly that.
If you're in the mood for a lighthearted, fast-paced, and well-acted popcorn flick, Heads of State is worth your time. Just sit back and enjoy.
Yes, the plot is exaggerated and the situations are over the top - but that's the charm. It's a classic action-comedy throwback where the point is not to analyze every twist but to enjoy the ride. The pace doesn't slow down, the action sequences are slick, and the humor lands more often than not.
I especially liked how the movie never tried to take itself too seriously. The characters know they're in a wild situation and they lean into it. It's self-aware in the right ways. Also, the music and editing style keep the energy high throughout.
Some people might try to compare it with other spy-action comedies, but I think this one stands on its own. It may not be a deep or groundbreaking film, but it never pretends to be. It's here for fun, and it delivers exactly that.
If you're in the mood for a lighthearted, fast-paced, and well-acted popcorn flick, Heads of State is worth your time. Just sit back and enjoy.
Heads of State is exactly the kind of high-octane nonsense we need more of. Idris Elba smolders, John Cena flexes (mostly his comedic timing), and together they bumble, brawl, and bromance their way through a delightfully chaotic global crisis.
It's as if Air Force One, Rush Hour, and The Thick of It all crash-landed into the same film and miraculously survived. Director Ilya Naishuller keeps the pace brisk and the set pieces bonkers, never letting logic get in the way of a good explosion or a great punchline.
Sure, it's ridiculous. But it knows it. And it leans in with enough charisma, chemistry, and cartoonish diplomacy to make world peace look like something you could actually laugh your way into. Elba and Cena are the unlikely dream ticket you didn't know you were voting for.
It's as if Air Force One, Rush Hour, and The Thick of It all crash-landed into the same film and miraculously survived. Director Ilya Naishuller keeps the pace brisk and the set pieces bonkers, never letting logic get in the way of a good explosion or a great punchline.
Sure, it's ridiculous. But it knows it. And it leans in with enough charisma, chemistry, and cartoonish diplomacy to make world peace look like something you could actually laugh your way into. Elba and Cena are the unlikely dream ticket you didn't know you were voting for.
Politics aside, I genuinely did not expect this movie to be this good.
The casting is absolutely spot on every actor fits their role like a glove, selling the story without a single weak link.
The writing deserves praise as well, managing to balance sharp humor and clever puns with a storyline that never feels forced or sluggish. There's a clear love for the material that shines through in the smallest details, from the props to the subtle callbacks, showing a real commitment to quality.
The fight choreography is top tier and only gets more impressive as the movie ramps up, evolving from solid to downright spectacular. The gunplay is in a league of its own, easily some of the most inventive and jaw-dropping I've seen in years. As for the vehicular action, it reaches world-class status, delivering creative and satisfying sequences that keep the energy high without ever feeling repetitive.
If there's one area that fell a bit short, it would have to be the special effects, at times they felt merely average, especially considering today's industry standards.
All in all, though, this is an outstanding, silly, and action-packed ride that's absolutely worth your time.
The casting is absolutely spot on every actor fits their role like a glove, selling the story without a single weak link.
The writing deserves praise as well, managing to balance sharp humor and clever puns with a storyline that never feels forced or sluggish. There's a clear love for the material that shines through in the smallest details, from the props to the subtle callbacks, showing a real commitment to quality.
The fight choreography is top tier and only gets more impressive as the movie ramps up, evolving from solid to downright spectacular. The gunplay is in a league of its own, easily some of the most inventive and jaw-dropping I've seen in years. As for the vehicular action, it reaches world-class status, delivering creative and satisfying sequences that keep the energy high without ever feeling repetitive.
If there's one area that fell a bit short, it would have to be the special effects, at times they felt merely average, especially considering today's industry standards.
All in all, though, this is an outstanding, silly, and action-packed ride that's absolutely worth your time.
Its a fun to watch action comedy. John Cena as the President of US is hilarious. Edris Elba suits his part as the PM of UK. Priyanaka Chopra as the secret agent probably overshines them both in acting. It started of as a really fun movie with some action, but by the second half it turned into an outright action movie. Would have been better if they would have kept the comedy as main theme througout. Overall still a decent watch. I didnt know that John Cena could act that fine. Lots of helicopters, guns, blasts and some decent action sequences. Story had promise but kind of fizzles away after first half. Still a decent watch.
Predictable straightforward film that's not trying to redefine the genre. John Cena is relentlessly likeable as an out of his depth actor turned politician. Idris Elba puts on a dependably robust performance the best actor in the film by miles but not taking himself too seriously. Priyanka Chopra didn't really add much beyond silly puns but I guess they wanted to try and add a bit of emotional depth to the piece to vary the pace. If you're looking for a light film to watch while playing with your phone on doing the ironing then look no further. It's big. It's brash. It's over the top. And I found it silly but deeply enjoyable.
5 Things Director Ilya Naishuller Needs on Set
5 Things Director Ilya Naishuller Needs on Set
Heads of State director Ilya Naishuller explains what he needs on set to tackle a globetrotting film of this scale.
Did you know
- TriviaWhen Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) is out for his midnight jog, he's wearing an Arsenal hat. Idris Elba is a huge fan of Arsenal.
- GoofsWhen Will Derringer has the udder from a sheep in his face it shows four nipples (like on a cow udder). Sheep only have two nipples on their udders.
- Quotes
Will Derringer: You know what happened to the last guy who threw a shoe at a sitting president?
- ConnectionsReferenced in WWE Smackdown!: Night of Champions 2025 Fallout (2025)
- SoundtracksVolare - Gipsy Kings Version
Written by Franco Migliacci (as Francesco Migliacci) & Domenico Modugno
Performed by Gipsy Kings
Courtesy of Warner Music UK Ltd. / Sony Music Entertainment
- How long is Heads of State?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Jefes de Estado
- Filming locations
- Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France(outdoor filming)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime
- 1h 56m(116 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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