You have to admit. The idea of John Cena and Idris Elba playing feuding country leaders sounds fun. Until you remember you’ve already seen them play feuding superheroes in “The Suicide Squad”.

And there is a good chance you’ve already seen a President under duress movie. That is the setback with “Head Of State”.

Still, Prime Video has us subscribers along for the ride in “Head Of State”, where Cena plays United States President Will Derringer and Elba plays English Prime Minister Sam Clarke. The two don’t like each other after Clarke (kinda) endorsed Derringer’s political opponent, but have to learn to survive after terrorist take down Air Force One over Belarus.

The film is only tolerable because of it’s stars. Cena and Elba are..well…Cena and Elba who we’ve enjoyed for decades. Prime Video also raided the HBO Max closet. In addition to our “Peacemaker” and “The Wire” stars, we get Paddy Considine (House Of The Dragon) and our boy, Stephen Root (Barry) in scene stealing villain roles. Priyanka Chopra Jonas can do good work, but in a couple of months we won’t remember her action heavy but vapid role here. There is also another longtime favorite in Carla Gugino playing Derringer’s VP. And Jack “Novacaine” Quaid (The Boys) reminding us it’s already been a year since his show has been on. I like watching these actors trade lines.

Unfortunately, the action is all stuff you’ve seen before. This is a second rate “Air Force One” one minute, an even worse “Heart Of Stone” the next (the henchman here are the worst part of the movie). This isn’t even the best recent work Elba has done on an airplane recently. “Hijack” does a better job than this. In fact, this isn’t even his best film featuring “Sabotage” (Star Trek Beyond). I don’t think HOS will be in the top ten for either of it’s two headlining stars.

Still. If you like this cast, you won’t hate the movie and these guys do play world leaders rather well. While it’s not the best thing, its certainly not the worst.

Heads Of State:

GRADE: C

Did you watch Heads Of State? What did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments below!