In this buddy action comedy, Clarke and Derringer, who constantly exchange barbs and make their dislike for each other public, eventually team up to save themselves and the world. The two heads of the state are forced to parachute out of Air Force One when the aircraft is attacked and their security is compromised. They land in a border area of Belarus and make their way to Warshaw in a sheep truck. From then on, the film packs a series of cross country chases, gunfights and fisticuffs that are aimed at keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
The movie, however, starts with Noel Bissett getting grievously injured during a visit to Spain’s Buñol on a mission when people are celebrating La Tomatina festival. Turns out she has not only survived that but she is entrusted with the task of ensuring the safety of Clarke and Derringer, who become the targets of a powerful and ruthless foreign adversary. Bissett and Clarke, it is also revealed, were connected romantically in the past while working in the forces.
Caught in life-threatening situations as they are forced to rely on each other, Clarke and Derringer are also united in their belief regarding what makes the world a better place. Together they have to find a way to work together to thwart a global conspiracy that threatens the entire free world and make sure NATO continues to fulfil its objectives. A little focus on this crisis would have given the narrative more depth.
Even though the film occasionally becomes predictable, it remains engaging thanks to its three lead actors and slickly choreographed action sequences. As the ever-optimistic President, John Cena delivers a likable performance, while Idris Elba brings his signature coolness and wry British humour. Chopra, who Jonas has appeared as an action star in a host of movies (Don, Mary Kom) as well as series (Quantico and Citadel), in the Ilya Naishuller-directed film, seems most comfortable enacting the high-energy action scenes.
The banter between the heads of state is enjoyable, if not uproariously funny. The camaraderie between Cena and Elba adds a spark to many scenes. Chopra Jonas handles the physically demanding stunts with ease. While the script by Josh Applebaum, André Nemec, and Harrison Query doesn’t offer many surprises, it leans into its wacky tone to deliver a consistently entertaining action-comedy.
Streaming on Prime Video from June 2.
Director: Ilya Naishuller
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Cast: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
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