Two ‘Heads of State’ Flaws Will Drive Conservatives Batty

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Breitbart News’ John Nolte likely coined the term “sucker punch” for Hollywood storytelling.

As a devoted viewer with a traditional perspective, immersed in a movie or series, I might unexpectedly encounter a scene that seemingly targets my beliefs, leaving me feeling offended on behalf of my fellow countrymen and women.

Or, as Nolte calls it, a “sucker punch.”

In the 2012 movie “The Three Stooges,” there’s a brief scene where the antagonists are seen flipping through a traditionalist periodical while lounging in bed. This subtle visual cue serves to suggest their malicious character and may be perceived as a humorous jab towards those who lean politically right.

The 2021 thriller ‘The Boy Behind the Door’ provides an interesting twist. In this movie, the abductor, who drives away after the kidnapping, has a bumper sticker on his car that says ‘Make America Great Again.’ This implies that the villain is not only a menacing figure but also seems to support Donald Trump.

Prime Video’s “Heads of State” has just such a moment.

Spoiler Ahead:

In this scenario, John Cena portrays the character of Will Derringer, an American president, alongside Idris Elba’s character, British Prime Minister Sam Clarke. The two leaders find themselves under attack and are believed to have been killed. Consequently, Carla Gugino’s character, Vice President Elizabeth Kirk, assumes control in their absence.

In one of her initial appearances, Gugino expresses a unique political perspective that she refers to as “America First.

Halt, please. Commander Kirk seems to be a modest figure serving the United States, thrust into leadership during hardship. As soon as she speaks that phrase, viewers become privy to far too much about her.

Is it already evident in reality, with the Right’s adoption of this ideology, that it doesn’t require explicit expression? This scene is brief yet significant in a lively, humorous film, but it’s certainly not coincidental.

Why add it to the story if you want to keep President Kirk’s true nature a secret?

Those with a grasp on biology, often conservatives, are likely to find another significant aspect of the movie distasteful.

As I, an undercover agent named Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), step into the narrative, my past as the former girlfriend of the Prime Minister adds a layer of complexity to my role. Yet, it’s not just my personal history that makes me valuable; I am also equipped with the skills necessary to safeguard the key figures in this story.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may not have an extensive film history in the U.S., but she delivers a commendable performance in a challenging, strenuous part. She effectively portrays a seasoned bare-knuckle boxer.

Despite being portrayed as a woman, her character surpasses numerous male characters in the film, showing traits reminiscent of the Mary Sue archetype commonly found in contemporary cinema.

Or, more concisely: Her character is stronger than many men’s in the movie, resembling the overpowered and idealized Mary Sue trope often seen today.

She may not possess any supernatural abilities or resemble a powerhouse actress akin to Gina Carano, but she manages to stand her ground against hordes of tough guys, consistently emerging victorious in every encounter.

Instead of “Heads of State,” the movie offers an overwhelming number of ridiculous scenes, which feels tiresome and contradicts scientific fact. This pattern in Hollywood films is becoming more and more draining.

Instead, “Heads of State” is both absurdly amusing yet mindlessly stupid. Director Ilya Naishuller, known for his work in “Nobody”, again faces challenges with the third act of the movie. A trimming of approximately 15 minutes, particularly towards the end, would greatly improve it.

The camaraderie between Cena and Elba remains consistently strong, making this an exceptional original production for streaming. It’s entertaining, easily forgettable, and as light as a feather.

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2025-07-09 19:03