Sun Jul 06 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Cena and Elba’s “Heads of State” Serves Up Explosive Political Satire (with a Side of Tomatoes)

**New York, NY** – Amazon Prime Video’s new action-comedy, “Heads of State,” starring John Cena as the U.S. President Will Derringer and Idris Elba as British Prime Minister Sam Clarke, delivers a high-octane, and often absurd, take on international relations. Directed by Ilya Naishuller (“Hardcore Henry,” “Nobody”), the film follows the two world leaders as they navigate a strained relationship and a series of increasingly outlandish assassination attempts in the lead-up to a crucial NATO summit.

The premise sees the two heads of state thrown together due to the lingering grudge of a perceived fish-and-chip-related insult, their efforts to repair their bond heightened by their need to survive.

Critics are calling the film a “silly version of a BBC political satire,” drawing comparisons to “The Thick of It,” but with significantly more explosions. Cena and Elba’s performances have been praised for their commitment to playing the characters straight, oblivious to the comedic chaos unfolding around them, especially Cena’s effective deadpan reactions. Priyanka Chopra Jonas also stars as a secret agent, further complicating the already volatile situation.

“Heads of State” also features some unexpected cinematic nods. The film’s opening scene, set amidst the chaotic Tomatina festival in Spain, echoes Lynne Ramsay’s “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” while a Beastie Boys song blasts during an action scene, recalling Steven Soderbergh’s “KIMI.” Stephen Root also delivers a memorable performance as a perpetually humiliated functionary, reminiscent of his role in Mike Judge’s “Office Space.”

While the film may not be high art, its loud, comedic violence and clever performances offer a lighthearted escape, perfect for a summer movie night.

“Heads of State” is rated PG-13 for language and comedic violence and runs for 1 hour and 55 minutes. It is currently streaming on Prime Video.

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