Sometimes, it’s okay to just enjoy the things we’ve seen before.

With an eye to the past, Heads of State is a throwback to the goofy, buddy action-comedies of the 80s and 90s. Leaning in to the ‘odd couple that has to work together’ tropes, Heads locks in on the awkward pairing of its two leads and creates a delightfully fun (albeit ultimately forgettable) ride.

Directed by Ilya Naishuller, Heads of State tells the story of Sam Clarke (Idris Elba), the UK Prime Minister who has a public rivalry with US President Will Derringer (John Cena). Brought together by the upcoming global leadership summit, the two men can barely stand the sight of one another, risking their countries’ alliance. However, after a terrorist attack leaves them alone in the wild together, the two are forced to rely on one another to survive. When they finally reconnect with the highly skilled MI6 agent, Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jones), the team race against the clock to thwart a conspiracy that threatens the globe.

There’s a reason that the ‘buddy comedy’ still thrives to this day. There’s simply something enjoyable about seeing another pair of mismatched heroes put aside their differences to save the world. And much of the film’s fun stems from Cena, Elba and Chopra Jonas. Together, they’re a goofy trio who offer some good work. As the strait-laced (and straight-faced) UK Prime Minister Clarke, Elba manages to provide stability to the silliness while also offering some solid action skills. Meanwhile, Chopra Jonas continues to deliver her best in action sequences, saving the hides of her male co-stars on multiple occasions.

But, once again, its Cena who subtly steals scenes with his solid comic timing. Playing against his traditional ‘ex-military’ role, the WWE Champ is clearly enjoying playing an actor who… to put it bluntly… kinda sucks when thrown into moments when he’s asked to help save the day. This is a character who believes his own hype but cannot back it up when it matters most. But Cena’s delivery is so delightfully self-deprecating that you can’t help but fall in love with him.

What’s more, Naishuller also knows how to direct an action scene. Without taking itself too seriously, Heads blows the doors off in several moments. Pulsating gunfire and pop rock infused sequences ensure that moments have the proper spectacle. For example, Motley Crue’s Can’t Stop the Heart keeps the explosive car chase both fast and furious. And Jack Quaid’s ‘moment’ revives the Beastie Boy’s oft-used hit ‘Sabotage’ to great effect. These are scenes that want to get the audience cheering, as opposed to genuine ‘threat’ to the characters.

We’re simply meant to enjoy the booms and pows. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

In terms of subtext, Heads of State offers little in the way of deeper conversation. However, it is interesting to note that this is Prime’s second action film in a row involving a threat to global partnerships. Similar to Viola Davis’ thrilling G7, this is another film that highlights the need for global interests to supersede that of national welfare. (In fact, without giving any spoilers here, the true villains of this piece are the ones who want to ‘make [their nation] great again’.) There’s a strong conversation here about the need to see past our differences and work together in order to change the world, even when trust is broken.

Says Cena, “It’s not about good and bad. It’s about respect.”

But, let’s be serious. This isn’t meant to be a film that offers in-depth social commentary. Instead, Heads of State accomplishes exactly what it sets out to be: a breezy buddy comedy that’s worth streaming. While it offers very little ‘new’ to the genre, the charm of its stars and the light-hearted tone keep things entertaining for at-home audiences.

After all, if the buddy comedy ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Heads of State is available on Prime Video on July 2nd, 2025.