Police have surrounded the ER where a desperate man holds hostages and demands that the hospital do what his HMO refuses to allow provide an operation for his critically ill son. The media storms the scene and with each pa... more »ssing moment, the man called John Q is becoming a hero of sorts. Academy Award winner* Denzel Washington brings remarkable depth to the title role of this issues-driven thriller featuring an elite cast. Is John Q a vigilante? A heroic father? You decide. But when it comes to his son, John Q wont take ?no? for an answer.« less
John Q. is one of those movies that defines Denzel! Great plotline to watch!
Jennifer D. (jennicat) from ST AUGUSTINE, FL Reviewed on 12/30/2014...
Loved this movie.
Movie Reviews
"Fighting for Care"
Jenny J.J.I. | That Lives in Carolinas | 01/08/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
""John Q" is good for some thought-provoking ideas and questions concerning the ever-growing problems with our nation's health care policies, as well as some hard-hitting performances from its arsenal of talented actors. For these reasons, the movie qualifies as an average crowd pleaser, though it's predictability, as well as some cloyed storytelling in its second half, keep it from being the powerful drama it aspires to be.
Washington gives an outstanding performance, but is dragged by Elise's crying.... This is not one of those movies that are only worth watching on video, it's a great movie that I recommend to everyone who's mature enough to watch a boy dying right in front of his parents, at 10. Think about that. One of Washington's best line in this film is," I will not bury my son, my son is going to bury me!" Denzel Washington is amazing as always, and I've seen most of his films, I've never once been disappointed. He can play anything, and his role as a caring father in this film was enough to make me want to rate this three stars alone. But once you throw in solid dialogue, a great plot and other supporting actors, you have yourself one truly great movie.
I was disappointed by one aspect of this movie: the fact that it wasn't released earlier that year, because Washington surely would've received an Oscar nomination for this instead of "Training Day". It's hard to not like this movie and impossible to not feel for the characters. I'll see this movie again and I hope that by reading this review you'll see it too.
"
Ahead of Its Time, Startling, Watch Sicko also
Robert D. Steele | Oakton, VA United States | 11/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have always liked Hollywood movies that put the secret intelligence world on the spot:
Enemy of the State
Breach (Widescreen Edition)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
This movie is so on target, but I did not want to watch it because I tended to put it off as over the top. After watching Michael Moore's Sicko (Special Edition), I went and rented this movie and am glad I did. If you wish, read my review of Sicko before watching John Q.
I'm not going to give away the ending, there are many excellent reviews below, but the bottom line is that our medical system is totally corrupt, trapping good people in a very bad system. We need to change that.
"
Great Actors, Average Plot
Tom Chase | London | 10/11/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Firstly, the plot is weak in places. It is predictable, it is clished, it is a Hollywood blockbuster. Without the cast it would be 3 stars, or less.
But, with the acting ability of the whole cast, the film is saved. Denzel Washington plays John Q. Archibald, who's son needs a heart transplant, but of course, its gonna cost ya. James Woods plays the evil dude once again, and tells John he needs to pay 250k, but unfortunately John is not insured and cannot pay it, and his son will die. So, the rational explanation is obviously to hijack the ER and hold everyone hostage until they put his son on the transplant list. Robert Duvall plays the police negotiator, who you snense feels almost sorry for John, but Ray Liotta comes in and plays mr. steelballs ordering someone to snipe John. The plot unravels (predictably) but ends well, leaving you feeling all nice and warm inside.
Very good cast, acting, ok plot, 4 stars."
There is no stopping this man
musicalsoul | Atlanta,Ga | 12/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Denzel made me cry in this movie. This movie is powerful and touching at the same time. Denzel once again gives an unforgettable performance. There is no doubt about it this movie has to be in your movie collection."