Movies

Critics Have Seen Heads Of State, And They’re Saying The Same Thing About John Cena And Idris Elba’s ‘Dumb Comedy’

BBG News

This year, we’ve been eagerly anticipating several action-packed films. While we count down to blockbusters such as Superman and the follow-up to I Know What You Did Last Summer, John Cena and Idris Elba aim to deliver a dose of humor alongside their antics. The comedy movie, titled Heads of State, will stream with an Amazon Prime Video subscription once it lands on the 2025 film release calendar for July Fourth, and most critics consider it the perfect blend of stupidity and laughter.

In the film “Heads of State,” Idris Elba and John Cena join forces for an action-packed adventure, portraying the British prime minister and the U.S. president, respectively. Following an assassination attempt, these squabbling heads of state are compelled to cooperate in order to ensure each other’s survival and foil a worldwide plot. In TopMob’s review of “Heads of State,” our very own Nick Venable expresses his enjoyment, awarding the movie 4 out of 5 stars and stating: “I had an enjoyable time watching it.

When John Cena and Idris Elba are taken out of the main cast, it’s then that the action really heats up. Without constant interruptions from others, Will and Sam are compelled to find common ground and collaborate, which is essential for a fantastic buddy action film. The movie consistently emphasizes their bond, even amidst intense fist fights, shootouts, and intricate plot turns.

Nate Richard from Collider concurs, rating “Heads of State” 7 out of 10 as it’s “smartly dumb.” Idris Elba and John Cena have such impressive performances that they make up for many of the film’s flaws in Nate’s opinion, as he expresses in his review.

From the start, Heads of State is clear about the kind of film it aspires to be, and embraces all its quirks and absurdities, making them endearing rather than sloppy. Director Ilya Naishuller further solidifies his reputation as a dependable action director with this production… It’s unabashedly silly, self-aware, and filled with impressive action sequences that manage to look fantastic. It’s an ideal movie to catch after fireworks on the 4th of July.

IndieWire’s Siddhant Adlakha gives the flick a B and calls it “a hoot,” writing:

Struggling to balance elements such as action, comedy, irony, sentiment, and both patriotic enthusiasm and introspection, Heads of State offers an unexpectedly enjoyable ride. At first glance, this Prime Video production, brimming with big-name stars, seems like a fictional movie within a movie – quite ironic considering the abundance of these in its runtime. However, director Ilya Naishuller’s unique style manages to save it from being lost in the sea of films that resemble star-driven investment opportunities rather than enjoyable popcorn cinema, such as Red Notice.

Olly Richards from Empire gives the forthcoming Idris Elba film 4 stars out of 5, stating that this “excellent, mindless comedy” doesn’t aim for anything more than providing a great time, which enables it to strike the unpretentious yet enjoyable niche that many action-comedies fail to achieve. The reviewer goes on to say:

Following an unpredictable beginning, director Ilya Naishuller skillfully maintains the film’s tone, subtly escalating the absurdity in a way that feels organic rather than abrupt. He adds comical elements incrementally, much like pieces in a game of Buckaroo!, ensuring not to overdo it and risk losing control of the narrative. By the time the implausible ending arrives, you might find yourself chuckling at its sheer absurdity, but you’ll likely be enjoying the ride so much that you won’t want to stop.

According to Justin Kim from Loud and Clear, if Heads of State aimed for a more laid-back comedic style, he feels it might have pushed the boundaries even further. Despite leaving the theater not entirely content, he still awards the movie 3 out of 5 stars. In his own words: “The film offered too much fun to deserve a lower rating.

Leaders should decide on a definite course of action. They could have either amplified the absurdity of the scenario by adopting an over-the-top 80s aesthetic or injected some freshness into its narrative by blending drama and spy thriller elements. However, when the movie attempts to find a balance between the two extremes, it fails to make an impact, resulting in a film that’s neither remarkably absurd nor remarkably profound.

It seems that most critics are in consensus that “Heads of State” is perfect for a burst of carefree summer entertainment. I’m glad to join their ranks as I found the interactions between John Cena and Idris Elba during my early screening quite amusing. You won’t have to wait much longer or travel far, because “Heads of State” will be available on Amazon’s Prime Video starting Wednesday, July 2nd.

Read More

2025-07-03 04:10

Previous post Noel Gallagher’s close pal Jo Whiley says she ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Oasis have written new music ahead of reunion tour
Next post Rita Ora reveals Beyonce has always been her ‘protector’ as she discusses THAT ‘Becky with the good hair’ cheating rumour