Idris Elba plays the restrained British Prime Minister, who hosts a summit with the popular US President/former movie action star (John Cena). After things go horribly wrong, they have to team up to thwart a global conspiracy. This unlikely scenario is helped by Cena’s comic delivery, which forms the core of this film. Elba effectively plays the stolid straight man with surprising skills and their chemistry adds to the enjoyment. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is impressive as the kick-ass protector and, after his notable lead in “Novacaine” (my 4 star review), Jack Quaid’s continues his trajectory as one of our most adept new comic leading men. This is a genuinely funny movie with laugh-out-loud quips and reactions. Director Ilya Naishuller has staged the action with clever bits of physical farce (the group fight is hilarious). In many ways, this film falls in line with the buddy action/comedy tropes, but it rises above the genre with smart writing and skillful direction. The big fun action comedy of the summer! 
(4.5 / 5)
