John Q (2002) User Reviews

Denzel Washington Rocks!

[namashi_1 · 6/10 · 2 May 2011]

Denzel Wasington Rocks! And this fact, is once again proved, with his terrific act in 'John Q'. Though a decent film, it's flaws come up evidently, but Denzel manages to hold you till the end.

Denzel stars as John Quincy Archibald, a father and husband whose son is diagnosed with an enlarged heart and then finds out he cannot receive a transplant because HMO insurance will not cover it. Therefore, he decides to take a hospital full of patients hostage until the hospital puts his son's name on the recipient's list.

The Idea is interesting & challenging. The film begins with a class, as the writing holds you. But, in the second hour, especially, the writing gets lose and even the culmination isn't as good as one expects it to be. Nick Cassavetes directs this emotional story, with patience. Cinematography & Editing are fine.

Acting-Wise: As mentioned right from the beginning, Denzel rules the show. A performance so well-done, that it holds you, even when the writing falters. In the supporting cast, Bobby Duvall, James Woods & Kimberly Elise are efficient. Anne Heche & Ray Liotta are passable. Others lend support.

On the whole, 'John Q' is interesting in parts, but what really stands tall in this film, is it's lead-star's performance.

A Very Human and Affecting Drama...

[ijonesiii · 8/10 · 21 December 2005]

Denzel Washington continues to prove why he is one of the best actors in the business with his performance in JOHN Q, a moving, emotional, and tension-charged drama about a family man whose son needs a heart transplant; however, due to financial problems, his insurance won't cover the cost of getting his son on the donor list so John Q decides to take hostages in the hospital until someone arranges for his son to be on the donor list. Despite a preachy and simplistic screenplay, the intense direction and first-rate performances make this film work. I particularly loved Denzel's work here because this was a character unlike he had ever played before...Denzel usually played well-educated, intelligent lawyers and/or businessmen (with the obvious exception of TRAINING DAY), but here Denzel is playing an average Joe...a working stiff, struggling to pay bills and keep food on the table and a roof over his family's head who is driven to extreme measures to protect the family he cherishes so dearly. Washington gets strong support from Robert Duvall, solid as always as the hostage negotiator, James Woods as a wimpy surgeon, Anne Heche as an unsympathetic hospital administrator, and especially Kimberly Elise as John's wife. An emotional drama, wrought with tension, that will rivet you to the screen.

Good Movie...

[Movie-Guru · 8/10 · 18 June 2002]

Despite what people have said, this movie is NOTHING like Dog Day Afternoon. The only similarities between the two is that both films have to do with holding a public place hostage (In Dog Day Afternoon it was a Bank in John Q, its a hospital). Sure, you see a sort of homage to Dog Day Afternoon in John Q, but thats it, the movie has its own plot. I enjoyed this film, Denzel Washington is really believeable as the down-on-his-luck father, and the rest of the supporting cast executed their characters very well. Most notably the great Robert Duvall as the hostage negotiator and Ray Liotta as the stuck-up police chief. I won't say more about this movie other than it is heart-breaking and you can almost feel the pain frustration John Q has to go through. 4 stars out of 5.

Just Another "Dog Day Afternoon" in Hollywood.

[tfrizzell · 24 October 2003]

Highly under-rated and ignored by most in 2002, "John Q" is one of those movies that is sometimes too intelligent for a viewing public unfamiliar with topics never really thought about in common societal circles (health care and insurance policies, rights of blue-collar citizens, media exploitation, law enforcement practices and over-paid medical specialists). Denzel Washington's young son falls out one day at a little league baseball game. The diagnosis is frightening. Without a new heart, the boy will most definitely die. Washington, a normal everyday citizen, lacks substantial resources and benefits from his insurance to even get his son on a donor's list. It is blatantly obvious that Washington and wife Kimberly Elise are being strangled by red tape in a mercilessly heartless (no pun intended) system. Friends Laura Herring and David Thornton (and seemingly countless other ordinary people) do their best to help the couple raise money and soon it seems that most everything they have is on the market to be sold. Work and more hard work does not get the couple much closer to having the money they desperately need. Washington realizes that time is now of the essence. He has been pushed and pushed again and now he takes it upon himself to push back. As a last resort he literally takes the doctor (James Woods) hostage, along with other bystanders who have nothing to do with Washington's war with the hospitals and insurance organizations. Immediately cops led by Robert Duvall and Ray Liotta surround the hospital and the tenseness builds. Hungry media cronies (who would not help Washington when he had asked earlier) also try to benefit from the misery of all those that are involved with their typical exploitation tactics (one thing Jerry Springer got right). Will Washington's son be saved and is Washington actually willing to take his own life in the venture so his boy can live? "John Q" is a very impressive production from director Nick Cassavetes (showing much of the same ability his late father John showed throughout his career). Screenwriter James Kearns gets to the soul of an American society that has been blinded by economics and inefficient big-wigs who have no business possessing the careers they have. Morality has gone out the window and that "hypocritical oath" that is so prevalent in the medical field seems to be little more than a silly afterthought. "John Q" succeeds everywhere just about except in its ending. The ending is a major mistake that took away from some of the good things accomplished before the final ten minutes. Washington, arguably better here than in recent triumphs like "Training Day" (an Oscar-winning role) and "Antwone Fisher", goes to an even higher plateau here. Much like Al Pacino in the equally under-rated "Dog Day Afternoon" (an admittedly better picture), Washington dominates in a role that thrives on a claustrophobic aspect that cannot be escaped or denied within the film's running time. Duvall and Woods are also solid, as always, but Washington is the man here. Strikingly accurate when pointing the finger at things wrong with America these days, "John Q" is a thought-provoking production that will cause its audience to think and learn about sometimes forgotten aspects of human life. 4 stars out of 5.

Money is greater than the sum of a human life

[3DPhil · 7/10 · 4 April 2009]

This is now the second film that I have watched which focuses on Americas health care, or lack of it, I live in the UK where all our citizens get free health care no matter what there circumstances are, What have we come to in this world if money is greater than the sum of a human life, America and it's people should be ashamed of themselves to ever let this situation happen. The film shows this situation up very well, The acting was first rate and the film in the end is a very worthy effort. Denzil Washington does a fine job of showing how we all would feel if we were thrust into a nightmare situation that meant you could loose your child simply because you don't have enough money to pay the rip of prices of the blood sucking health system.

A quite moving tale

[mjw2305 · 7/10 · 16 January 2007]

John Q (Denzel Washington) is just an average man, he works at a factory and his wife and his son Michael are his whole world. When his son is taken ill and needs an needs an urgent heart transplant, he soon learns that his insurance won't cover the bills and he has no real hope of raising the cash himself. In an act of desperation he holds the emergency room hostage, it's all he can do to get his son the care he needs.

I felt the film was fundamentally flawed, yet it was made and performed with such passion and realism, what at first seems like a far-fetched plot is soon forgotten about, and you have to just go with the flow of this emotionally charged drama.

The cast is very strong, and the direction holds the story together very nicely; but most of all it achieves what it sets out to do, and that is move the audience.

7/10

Long Overdue!

[Sylviastel · 7/10 · 17 January 2008]

It's no secret that America has a health care crisis where about 50 million people are uninsured in this country. The story about John Q. is about his battle to save his son's life when the hospital and health insurance companies have failed his young son by declining to put his name on the heart transplant list. Two time Oscar Winner Denzel Washington does his best to bring life into this character that any other actor would not be able to do. Kimberly Elise is also admirable in her role as his wife. Anne Heche's performance as Rebecca Payne, the hospital administrator, is quite sickening because she plays the bureaucracy part of the role but she does it well. She can act as well. James Woods plays the rich, blood-sucking doctor who John Q. takes hostage along with other innocent bystanders and hospital staff but John Q. has a heart too. Ray Liotta and Robert Duvall have supporting roles as the police chief and hostage negotiator trying to get John Q. to end the standoff. The actions are understandable since a parent would do anything to save their child's life from known death.

Excellent acting alive with emotion

[au_law2001 · 10/10 · 28 December 2004]

Denzel Washington's portrayal of a desperate dad is excellent and compelling as he struggles to find a way to get his son to be treated and operated immediately, no matter what cost. He takes the whole hospital hostage until he gets it. One may say what he is doing is bad and illegal, but at the same time he stands up to the system, and fights the odds, but hey, he's doing it for his son. I praised him when he said "I don't want to bury my son, I want my son to bury me!" In a way, he's willing to sacrifice himself to save his son. The hostages he takes, seems to support him and the mass of audiences viewing are on his side. And he also seems to be calm and friendly to them too. The ending was also perfect, and overall a great film, and not to mention the great performances from Robert Duvall, James Woods and Ray Liotta of The Good Fellas, who uses his Tommy Vercetti voice again! Gotta love that guy, gotta love that Denzel Washington, recommended for those who love him.

A movie full of suspense and meant to open your eyes

[quincymd · 10/10 · 8 April 2008]

A very well cooked thriller, with every necessary ingredient, and a plot meant to surprise the viewer.

Full of love, passion, family issues, commercial interests and politics all blended into a magnificent work of art topped with Denzel Washington's performance The film shows many aspects of life, and should be seen by all people to evaluate one's point of view on each of the parallel stories depicted.

The Author takes an everyday situation and sows the seed of self - criticism in every spectator, making this more than a thriller to pass the time away.

The Director plays with the characters as a Master would play his pieces on a chessboard, giving each actor enough role and having a defined objective: to checkmate the audience, and I must say he does this with very few elements, mainly dialog sequences and very few Special effects, thus turning this film into a masterpiece.

Denzel Washington is the perfect choice for this film, due to his ability to play poker face situations, and his ability to play any kind of character he is offered.

I do highly recommend this movie, to see it two, three or more times. Every time one sees the film, gets a new detail to one's collection and a new question to answer. Ideal for family discussion and highly recommended for teenagers

my notes

[FeastMode · 7/10 · 1 July 2019]

Great movie with an enthralling story and superb acting by denzel. his acting job was seriously amazing. so many intense and suspenseful scenes. they did a great job of making you root for him. so many heart-wrenching moments. there were also a couple of questionable parts and some cheesy/corny parts (about 3 viewings)

Deep Acting of Washington! Great!

[Juan_from_Bogota · 8/10 · 20 April 2007]

In this movie, with a great acting of Denzel Washington as John Q. I felt the deep problems of health in the USA. My cousin lives in the United States (i don't), and she told me a few complaints about this problem; in the movie i finally understood about that. I don't understand how, the most powerful country in the world does have such bad health services to it's people?. For the benefit of the Americans, i hope that they change this system soon. Denzel puts his hearth on this movie, playing a normal guy with financial problems and a hard work; the way that Denzel shows his love to his son is remarkable and demonstrates why he is one of the actual best actors in Hollywood. If you have seen Searching for David's Hearth (2004), this is as the other side of the story.

About the Movie: Denzel Washington plays John Quincy Archibald (John Q.) a husband and father with some financial problems that works almost 20 hours a day on a factory but who can't afford his expenses. John is trying to get a second job in order to earn an extra money. In the middle of this John's son Mike (Daniel E. Smith) is found to have a disease caused by a bigger than normal heart, and the doctors told him that he will die soon if they don't make a heart transplant. Here everything is hard but it gets really harder when John goes to the insurance company and get the notice that his insurance suddenly don't cover this type of procedures. John and his wife Denise (Kimberly Elise) start to make everything possible to collect the money (a lot of money) needed just to get his son on the donor's list, with their son dying an not much money, John desperate and takes the hospital's emergency room staff and patients hostage, demanding for to his son to be put on that list and that doctors do the transplant. The story evolves emotionally deep trough all this; in a remarkable script.

About the Cast: Denzel Washington put his soul onto this role, being by far the best of all!!, Kimberly Elise does good too, but a little exaggerated sometimes, Daniel Smith as Mike is pretty poor in his acting, he didn't had to do that much but this kid (sorry) still isn't a good actor; he has years to perfect his performance. James Woods acting as Dr. Raymond Turner, as always is very good and professional, also Anne Hache as Rebbeca Payne is great and show a coldness that ripped me out. Robert Duvall acting is good but his character could have been deployed even more, for the good of the film. Ray Liotta does good; Eddie Griffin is good too as one of the characters of the emergency room (Wow, this was a great cast!)

8/10! Excellent for Denzel Washington performance!

the wrong ending

[VinylSound · 5/10 · 25 January 2003]

They had us (sort of) in the palm of their hands, but the ending was a pathetic triumph of focus group indecision. Denzel Washington's character would have ended in suicide. THAT is the best ending for this film, the most realistic and the the most heart felt. The ending that the movie stuck to caters to the weak spirited Hollywoodisms that have caused most of us to be cynical about what comes from that movie making capitol.

An important issue, although they got a number of things wrong.

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 16 March 2006]

"John Q" was the first movie with which I'm familiar that looked at the health care situation in this country. Too bad that it had so many inaccuracies. The plot of course has economically strapped John Quincy Archibald (Denzel Washington) taking a hospital hostage to demand medical treatment for his son.

But, like I said, they misrepresented a number of things too many to enumerate here. But this movie's strength is looking at the disastrous effects of letting insurance companies run our health care system. You just may want to move to Canada after seeing this (although I haven't moved there). Also starring Kimberly Elise, James Woods, Anne Heche, Robert Duvall, and Ray Liotta.

Too Sentimental,too tearfull but still good.

[CharltonBoy · 7/10 · 27 December 2002]

Denzil Washington certainly knows how to pick a good film and he has picked another with John Q but i cant help but think this could have been so much better if it didnt have so much Schmaltz and and tears. Even though this film does go way overboard with sentimentality it is still a very entertaining film that you cant fail to enjoy. There are some good well known actors in this film but although their performances are fine they dont really gell as a group on screan. I would have loved to have seen some tense scenes between Ray Liotta and Denzil Washington but sadly they fail to meet on screen. A good film , maybe more suited to the person who like a weepie. 7 out of 10.

ANOTHER STUNNING PERFORMANCE BY DENZEL WASHINGTON

[iohefy-2 · 9/10 · 12 February 2002]

Once again Denzel Washington has outdone himself in this delightful movie. I am getting spoiled when ever I go to see one of his pictures, as his depth is constantly great. Mr. Casavettes does a fine directing job in this poinient story, but with bits of humor thrown in to break up the tension. This may not be academy award material, but it certainly is worth the price of a ticket. Go see it, you won't regret it.

Denzel saves the movie

[dombasas · 6/10 · 20 November 2003]

If not Washington's brilliant performance, the movie would be really awful. The story is banal and really nothing special, but you can't stay stony-faced, when you see Denzel playing his role with so many emotions. Just imagine someone else in Denzel's place - then the movie would be real crap. To sum up, watch John Q only to see Denzel's brilliant performance and nothing else.

Decent movie, don't let "official reviews" put you off

[doneil4 · 7/10 · 31 August 2020]

There seems to be a pattern when it comes to certain films that won't shy away from showing how scum the media can be that they always seem to get bad reviews from certain review sites.

I can assure many people will actually enjoy this film. Some movies do in fact deserve negative reviews but this isn't one of them. Denzel once again fails to dissapoint. It's an easy to follow story that will keep you on edge.

A bit touching and thrilling but fails to be great

[mardalsfossen01 · 6/10 · 8 March 2020]

The movie does bring attention to the US medical and insurance system. Director and writer aren't playing in the big league and it shows. "John Q." feels like a standard TV movie with some good moments. I feel bad for some good actors in this, could've been a great movie, like this it's just okay.

Problematic movie, worth watching, both can be (and are) true

[vandeman-scott · 5/10 · 11 November 2022]

Fact: There are so many medical errors in this movie that it's hard to take seriously in terms of plausibility, especially if you have a clinical background.

It's also a fact that the movie is well-acted and an enjoyable watch. Denzel Washington is a national treasure, and Robert Duvall, James Woods, and Ann Heche deliver solid performances. Almost every actor in JOHN Q brings something of value to the table.

The flaws in the American medical system are well known to everyone regardless of their ideological bent. The fact that, at it's best, it's the world's finest and most sophisticated health care is not reasonably disputable. The fact that this excellence is too often available only to those of means is also not a matter of dispute, both before the ACA when this movie was made and since its passage.

JOHN Q delivers this message forcefully, but to what end? Everyone wants quality health care for all; our leaders simply can't agree upon or find a way to get there. Nevertheless, a bit of preaching to the choir is OK once in a while as a reminder, and here, it's heavy handed while stopping short of being overbearing.

JOHN Q is a problematic film. JOHN Q is a worthwhile film. Both statements can be -- and are -- true.

As an honest reviewer, given its many flaws, I can't give JOHN Q more than 5 stars ... but I sure as heck want to.

Excellent drama

[InvisbleAngel · 2 March 2002]

This movie as many have endlessly pointed out has alot of messages thrown out. But, does it really matter? We weren't there to listen to the messages. We were there to watch a movie. Performances of others that we paid to see. This movie tackled the Health Care issue (alot yes) but if you were in this situation what would you do? The perfomances were excellent. Denzel was very believable as an American low class worker. The situations could be believable if it wasn't Hollywood telling it. Who would have ever thought that kids would have come to school with guns shooting up their classmates until it happened? Who would have actually thought that another country would defy us as the leading powerhouse nation and use an act of terrorism on us like they did? No one. Point is..you never know what will happen until it does. The situation that John Q created could actually happen no matter what anyone says.

And as for the person(s) that said that John Q was a terrorist in a sympathetic light....not true. He had no intention of hurting anyone. No, no one knew that but him but he did nothing to hurt anyone in the ER. He actually got them help and let them go. So, all in all, this movie is worth seeing! I enjoyed it and would pay to see it again!

It's involving, even if the plot is simple

[gcm-4 · 7/10 · 23 October 2004]

I enjoyed this film. As others point out, the plot is simple. Son needs a transplant. Father takes hospital hostage to try to get it. But a simple plot is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes you don't want to have to interpret everything.

I thought the characterizations of the little family were so sweet. The trivial spats of everyday life earlier in the film. Later, both parents fighting together, willing to do anything to save the child. Some contrived, but heart-wrenching, moments showing each parent's love for the child.

Denzel W. gave a very real performance as the decent, hard-working, blue-collar dad. Yes, he was almost perfect. Yes, the bad people were uniformly bad. Yet, the movie still works because of the strong performances of Denzel W. and the woman who played his wife.

Preachy or poignant?.

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 15 October 2008]

During a baseball game, John Quincy Archibald's son Michael collapses and is diagnosed as having a major heart defect that requires a transplant ASAP. Sadly John and his wife, Denise, don't have enough insurance to cover the cost of such an operation, no matter what they do they just can't come up with enough cash to save Michael's life. Desperate and angry at the money laden red tape, John takes the ER room hostage and demands that the transplant be done.

Coming as i do from Great Britain, i have no bond of feeling to the thought of having to pay for medical insurance, so with that in mind i viewed John Q from the off with a certain degree of interest. Just scanning through some of the user comments here it's apparent that this is a most divisive picture amongst the American users, no great deal of middle ground, it's either preachy nonsense trying to make a moral stance, or it's a highly involving picture tenderly bringing to light a serious issue.

My thoughts are quite simply that as a drama it works considerably well, the issue at hand makes for a compelling picture, and even allowing for an overkilling of sentimental strands, it's intelligent and never less than interesting. However the constant stream of formulaic characters hinders the film and stops it totally achieving its aims, to anyone who hasn't seen this picture i would wager that if i asked you to pick ten characters for a hostage piece, you would get nine of them right. It's a real shame because John Q is a fine film in substance, and is backed up by a competent cast list, even if not all of them are quite utilised to the maximum.

Taking the lead as John Q is Denzel Washington, few actors of his generation can give so much emotion into a character, it's a great turn from him and one that deserves far more credit that it gets. Robert Duvall and James Woods have critical roles but not given enough meat to really get their respective teeth into, Ray Liotta is safe and enjoyable in an annoying role, whilst Kimberly Elise {as mother Denise} and Anne Heche {the cold hearted hospital administrator} are merely making up the numbers. A bit more bravery and a bit less sentiment may well have lifted John Q into one of this decades best dramas category, as it is it's a missed opportunity that still delivers enough punch for this particular viewer to give it the thumbs up. 7/10

Great Action!!!!

[petepittsburgh · 6/10 · 27 February 2002]

This movie was not all that bad. Yea they shoved the message down your throat, about how terrible the system is. But the action held it together. You're gonna read alot of reviews that put down the movie. But seriously how long has it been since a movie had you at the climax like that. The whole theater was yelling at the screen saying "No don't do it". There were gasps all over the theater. And I have to give the movie that.

Excellent thriller that'll have you glued to your seat from start to finish

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 10/10 · 21 November 2005]

JOHN Q, in my opinion, is an excellent thriller that'll have you glued to your seat from start to finish. It sort of reminds me of THE NEGOTIATOR, only this movie mostly takes place in a hospital. I really loved John (Denzel Washington). This is because he wouldn't give up hope for his son (Daniel E. Smith). If I were him, I'd do something desperate, but not illegal. Grimes (Robert Duvall) made me feel good, too. It's hard for me to explain why. Now, in conclusion, I recommend this excellent, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat action movie that have you glued to your seat from start to finish to all you Denzel Washington or Robert Duvall fans who haven't seen it. When you see this movie, hold on tight and prepare to be taken on a wild ride. I also guarantee you you'll want to see it over and over again.

Not bad...and Denzel great as always

[elmonose · 7/10 · 22 February 2002]

A bit preachy but ANY movie that still remains good...you will feel tense at times as to what will happen next w/ Denzel etc.....AND BLASTS the CORRUPTION in the INSURANCE industry deserves praise!!!!!!!! I was glad this was also a good , decent movie. It is abit predictable but as stated there is a good amount of time you are left wondering about Denzels fate..and more than once. I will admit there are a lot of ultra unrealistic Hollywood moments, but overall, it makes it to a 7 out of 10.