John Q. Reviews

Powerful enough to hide its weaknesses

An involving, beautifully acted, sometime manipulative issue film, 'John Q' is the story of a factory worker (Washington as John Archibald) whose son is suddenly struck down with heart disease. Given a choice between making little Mike comfortable until he dies and the risk of a heart transplant the distraught parents opt for the transplant confident that their medical insurance will pay for everything. However, John discovers to his horror that because recent downturns have left him working 20 hours a week his employer's policy classifies him as part time and only provides $20,000 dollars of cover. This won't even pay the $75,000 deposit required for surgery. Provoked by his inability to provide for his family or pay for his son's surgery John is driven to desperate measures when he takes the emergency room hostage and demands that his son be put on the transplant list.

Structurally this is an issue-of-the-week TV movie, what transforms it are the sterling performances of a very strong cast. Denzel Washington's portrayal of the tormented father is pitch perfect and Kimberly Elise, as his wife, maintains a nice balance, simultaneously demanding the impossible of her beleagered husband while still showing her love for him thus retaining our sympathy. Robert Duvall brings suitable gravitas to a light and somewhat underwritten part and James Wood manages to make something of his awkwardly written role as the heart surgeon. Anne Heche's character is the weakest link although this again can be ascribed in large measure to a script that makes her just a little too callous to be realistic.

Weak writing in the supporting characters notwithstanding the film works very well overall, hanging primarily on Washington's work which provides the believable dynamic behind the whole plot. The minor roles of the hostages, while somewhat cliched are carried off well and the pacing is very good.

Apart from an ending which was not quite what it could have been the film is very satisfying.

Excellent Film

This is an excellent film and keeps you watching all the way through and is about a father, who's son is denied a operation because they are not covered on his insurance, so he takes matters into is own hands and anyone in is position would do the same

Strangely lacking in tension

I suppose its because you just have a feeling about this film that no-one is going to die. Hence, everything is just a case of going through the motions. Plus what really annoyed me was the fact that this whole plot comes about because Americans are not prepared to pay higher taxes for a basic level of healthcare on a par with the NHS - but this basic truth is given one line at the end of the film! Yet we get a whole five minute segment where doctors and hospitals are portrated as nothing but money grubbing monsters. Is this film slightly biased for its audience, perhaps?

Powerful

Denzel Washington at his best, he manages to pull off another breathtaking performance. This film will have you in mixed emotions, the storyline which can sometimes feel a little far fetched is still unique. this film is great to watch with the family, with your girlfriend or on your own. wouldn't recommend it for a lads night in though as it may uncover some softies! :-)

JOHN Q

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE MOVIES THAT SHOWS WHAT A FATHER IS PREPARED TO DO FOR HIS FAMILY - HE WILL GO TO ANY LENGHTS. AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE BY DENZEL. THIS IS ONE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

Denzel on top form again

Yep, a good 'un this! Personally, I havent seen a film where Denzel has been rubbish and this was no different. Great film, great suspense and great plot. I couldn't decide if this film was trying to make a point about the US health system but either way it did raise some very valid points about the way health care works over there. Very entertaining and worth renting. Keep 'em coming Denzel!

This film has an average storyline which would be even worse had it not been for Denzel Washington, who puts in a typically shining performance. It brings to light the poor health care service in America and makes you appreciate the NHS!

John Q

I have to say that I enjoyed this film. Yes, it was a bit over sentimental in places and a bit obvious in others, but nevertheless i liked it. A strong performance from Denzal Washington, also from Robert Duvall and Ray Liotta pull the film through in places, but on the whole the story does stand up. This film raises some serious questions about its subject and gets it point across. Quite good.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Excellent

Really enjoyed this film and the mix of characters.

For such a serious subject the film had plenty of humour involved too, which was a pleasant surprise.

Obviously has it's heart string pulling sections but also was amusing to see all the stereo type characters throughout the film. Admin Lady is so cold and heartless it shocked you when she first spoke.

Wish the ending had more detail about how things turned out for John Q.

The documentary about Americam Health care was alse interesting and a real eye opener on what it can cost. Insurance companies are not shown in a good light.

[Highly rated reviewer]

tacky

poor denzel film...scmaltzy, tacky, predictable, american emotional rubbish. wear your star spangled banner if you must but not for me