If you thought Viola Davis was an odd and unconventional pick to play the US President in Prime’s underappreciated G20 earlier this year, just wait until you see John Cena in the Oval Office. Heads of State casts him as a former action star turned world leader, paired in an odd-couple dynamic with Idris Elba as the UK Prime Minister. The two are supposed to join forces to sign a historic peace treaty, but when their diplomatic flight is shot down in a surprise attack, they’re forced to go on the run and work together to survive, stop a conspiracy, and save the deal.
Cena and Elba had already shared the screen in The Suicide Squad, but something about seeing Cena as the President—and watching Elba try to keep a straight face without completely making a fool of himself—makes the whole endeavor feel off more often than not. Cena is clearly giving it his all as an incompetent but enthusiastic President (which might be fun or irritating, depending on your mood), while Elba feels stiff and uncommitted to matching the quippier tone. Their styles never really click and don’t complement each other the way these odd-couple dynamics usually should. (Cena’s attempt to play serious and tragic during the film’s half-hearted commentary on leadership and public image might actually be the funniest thing in it.)
Meanwhile, the story goes through all the expected motions: clashing personalities, reluctant teamwork, and twists you can spot the moment the supporting characters show up. It’s basically G20 in a different wrapper. What keeps it from being totally forgettable are some sporadic stylistic flourishes from director Ilya Naishuller (Nobody, Hardcore Henry). There are two random—but genuinely fun—nods to Wes Anderson, some playful camera moves during the action scenes, and a quick but memorable appearance from Jack Quaid (who’s quietly having a great year). Also, it never drags—which, at almost two hours of predictable plotting and jokes, is kind of impressive.
It is the kind of movie you can jump into halfway and still follow. It’s watchable, occasionally funny, and has just enough flair to keep you mildly entertained. While Naishuller throws in enough visual energy to keep it from feeling completely disposable, the lack of chemistry between the leads keeps it from really working. Heads of State is still just another acceptable streaming original—which, depending on your expectations, might be enough.