Fun, Fast-Paced And Action-Packed: Review Of Heads Of State (2025)
Not all action movies are made to be serious, and danger-thrilling. Some can be hilarious, action-packed and entertaining for even the family to watch, and that movie is Heads Of State (2025).
I never pass up on movies with Idris Elba in it and especially, when he stars alongside Priyanka Chopra and John Cena. Once the trailer dropped, my anticipation piqued because I was certain with these three in one film, it would be a captivating watch. I was right!
This movie begins with a thrilling, action-packed shootout scene involving an undercover operative, Noel Bisset (played by Priyanka Chopra) at a tomatoes festival in Spain (I'd never seen so much tomatoes wasted in one place). She loses all her team members in this shootout and barely escapes with her life.
Next, we are introduced to the British Prime Minister, Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and the President of the United States, Will Derringer (played by John Cena). These two heads of state are not friends. They always butt heads and must team up to save each other, fight through a terrorist attack force and essentially save the relations between their two countries.
There's nothing quite original about this film. This is one action comedy that doesn't take itself seriously despite the weighty topics addressed in the movie such as international relations, politics, and terrorist attack. But was it gripping? Yes!
The storyline is compelling and every scene delivers so well with the plot twists and double crosses. The entire running time of one hour, fifty-three minutes is fast-paced, funny and entertaining. I believe the cast ensemble is what shoots this film up from a disappointing snooze to an electrifying spectacle.
A gentle subplot that adds a bit of kick to the action comedy is the romance between Sam Clarke and Noel Bisset. I wasn't expecting that and I certainly didn't mind—they are both charismatic and good looking actors. The chemistry between them is convincing and beautiful to watch. Priyanka Chopra holds her combat scenes impressively and I hope to see her in more action roles.
Now to the bromance between John Cena and Idris Elba. Who knew they could still work well together after their performance in The Suicide Squad? Their connection and witty one-liners are as captivating as their action sequences. Cena's character is more laid-back, with the 'can do' attitude that Americans are known for while Elba plays the suave, no-nonsense British leader so well. The two characters complement each other well and are a delight to watch. Their banters had me chuckling and I wanted more.
The scene where Jack Quaid, as an undercover agent in a safe house, pulls different tricks to hide the two heads of state and help them escape from the villains is simply riveting. He's funny and unpredictable and that makes the movie more interesting.
The cinematography is exceptional. The transitions and shots, especially the scene where the camera captures a mid-fight shot from inside a man's mouth, and where the camera is positioned behind one of the thug’s missing tooth are just superb in my opinion.
After watching, I realise the storyline and some action parts are familiar tropes that have been played in many action films over time. Yet the producers did a fantastic job of making them appear fresh and interesting to watch.
Overall, Heads of State (2025) is a fast-paced and captivating film full of laughs, car chases, explosions, and thrilling action scenes. There are no dull moments in this one, so I'd recommend it for a fun weekend watch.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Thumbnail Image, Fair Use
Other images are screenshots from the movie
