A special relationship – it’s a term used to describe the bond between the UK and the United States of America, which dates back to the end of WW2.

It’s a relationship that, despite being ‘special’ has been strained over the years, depending on the heads of state in power at the time; an example would be that of the current POTUS, who only appears to have room for one special relationship, and that’s with himself.

Showing how it should be is Idris Elba and John Cena, reuniting after working on 2021's The Suicide Squad, embarking on a political bromance in this action comedy.

Making his first state visit after his recent victory in the US election is Will Derringer (Cena); it’s his first foray into the world of politics after carving out a successful career as an action hero in blockbusting movies.

He’s in London to see his UK counterpart, Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Elba); but Clarke is a seasoned head of state, having been in power for 6 years now, and resents having to meet Derringer as an equal.

As things are a little frosty between them on a personal front, their aides decide it would be a good idea if the US president invites the PM on board Air Force One, making for an impressive photo opportunity, as the pair can then head off to Italy for an important NATO meeting.

So off they set, only to come under attack midair, which soon finds the pair in the middle of Europe, not knowing who to trust.

With someone seemingly targeting them both, and a leak in one of their own departments, the pair’s ‘special relationship’ is severely tested, as they have to work together to stay alive.

This is the third film from Russian director Ilya Naishuller, whose last feature was the highly entertaining Nobody, starring Bob Odenkirk.

He certainly proved with that film, and his debut 2015’s Hardcore Henry, that he can handle action, but adding comedy doesn’t appear to be in his wheelhouse.

In fact the action is a little edgier than expected, and the comedy isn’t quite up to scratch, despite the best efforts of both leading men.

There are three names credited with writing the screenplay, and it appears that none of them have the greatest comedic touch, which is a shame. Unlike the punches, the one-liners don’t land with nearly the same impact, which is disappointing when you see both Elba and Cena chomping at the bit to deliver laughs.

They do make for a good buddy team however, and although things get sluggish in places – which isn’t helped by its overlong, nearly two hour running time, their on-screen chemistry delivers some appealing shtick.

It’s great to see Paddy Considine involved, but his role of a baddie comes across as a highly diluted Bond villain, lacking any kind of personality, menacing or otherwise.

Faring better is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who despite playing the love interest to Elba’s character, at least gets her hands dirty with an impressive amount of stunt work, to her credit.

Clearly the premise was too silly to play it straight, but the film would have benefited greatly from having a comic writer go over one of the drafts, and inject some much needed funny into proceedings.

Still, Elba and Cena’s on screen relationship has its moments, and the director’s action sequences manage to impress, and although not ‘special’, Heads of State offers an appealing rapport between its leading men.