Heads of State Movie Review

There are action movies and then there are awesomely insane action movies that feel like they were custom-built in a lab to maximize our serotonin levels. This one? It’s the latter. Is it a perfect movie, no. Is it a fun movie to just watch and enjoy? Hell yeah it is!

First things first: John Cena and Idris Elba are absolute dynamite together. Watching them on screen is like watching two heavyweight champions spar, not just with fists, but with charisma. Their chemistry in The Suicide Squad as Peacemaker and Bloodsport was one of that film’s biggest pleasant surprises, and I’m thrilled to report that lightning has struck twice. Whether they're reluctantly teaming up, bickering through a firestorm, or exchanging jabs mid-car chase, Cena and Elba have the kind of screen presence that makes everything better. I’d watch these two read Ikea assembly instructions, not to mention fighting over whether they were doing it correctly.

I wish I didn't have to say this, but the portrayal of the American President, Will Derringer, and his over the top former Hollywood star public persona is pretty spot on. Not surprisingly, Idris Elba's, British Prime Minister, Will Clarke is suave, intelligent, and has a resume to support his leadership role. Needless to say, Cena is the the dumb passionate American, and Elba is the reserved man thinking of the greater good ahead of his own wants. It's perfect.

And then there’s Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who quite literally kicks this movie into high gear.

She’s a one-woman demolition crew, flawless in every hand-to-hand combat sequence, and effortlessly cool whether she’s storming a high-rise or disarming a room full of mercenaries. Her action scenes are edited with surgical precision, letting the choreography breathe without cutting every half-second. Honestly, we need more Chopra Jonas in action films, immediately.

Although only briefly in the film, I was shocked to see Sharlto Copley. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's done amazing things and people still love him from District 9, but it was his turn as Murdock in the cinematic A-Team that showcased his true talent. There are other wonderful big name co-stars, like Carla Gugino (Son in Law, Midnight Madness) who wonderfully plays Vice President and President (depending on where you are in the movie), Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso, The Toxic Avenger) as the President's even keeled right hand woman, Paddy Considine (Hot Fuzz, The Bourne Ultimatum) as the ultra focused villain, Stephen Root (Crocodile Dundee II, Office Space) as the bad guy or maybe good guy role, and of course Mario Lopez (Saved by the Bell) as... well as Mario Lopez. He literally plays himself as an entertainment report.

Now, let me take a moment to talk about Jack Quaid (The Boys, Scream). I never thought I'd say this, but: Jack Quaid is my new favorite action star. Yes, that Jack Quaid. Between this and Novacaine, he’s had a glow-up worthy of a Rocky-style montage. He brings a jittery charm and surprising grit to the role, balancing out the explosive personalities around him with heart, humor, and just enough unpredictability to make every scene he’s in more interesting. In this case, he's a big old nerd who finally gets invited to the party. Said party? Inflict violence and mayhem to all those who threaten the President. He’s the unhinged comedy barely holding his shit together. And unlike Novacaine where he was incredibly innocent and naive, this time he is nerdy, but well trained and even better equipped.

The high-octane action sequences are slick, stylish, and refreshingly legible. From a motorcycle chase through neon-drenched streets to a brutal hallway brawl that rivals anything from The Raid, there’s an energy and clarity here that elevates the film above typical genre fare. You feel every punch. You cheer every well-timed quip. You might even shed a tear when the team has their inevitable "we ride together" moment.

I'd also like to add, I'm pretty impressed with Amazon MGM Studios. It kind of took me by surprise to see that in the credits. I did the same thing when I saw Red One, so who knows how many times I'll have this epiphany. At the time of the purchase, I was mainly concerned with the James Bond franchise (still am), but if this is the caliber of movies they plan on making, I'll be watching a lot of films on Prime in the near future.

Look, I’m not saying this is the best action movie of the year. But it’s funny, fierce, and fueled by a cast that understands exactly what kind of movie they’re in. If this is the new squad we’re riding with for future adventures, sign me up now. Twice.

Check out the trailer: