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John Q | Year: 2002 Classification: Drama Directed: - Nick Cassavetes Actors/Actresses: - Denzel Washington - Robert Duvall - James Woods - Jay Leno - Ray Liotta - Shawn Hatoshy A noble attempt to say something important about health care There were real tears running down my face during some of the emotional scenes in this film about a factory worker whose insurance won't cover his son's needed surgery, causing him to take matters into his own hands. The story was well paced and there was fine acting throughout by the star studded cast which included Robert Duvall as a police hostage negotiator, James woods as the cardiologist, Anne Heche as the unfeeling hospital administrator, Ray Liotta as the police captain going after glory, and newcomer Kimberly Elise, cast as the wife in a demanding role that showed her fine skill as an actress. Denzel Washington, of course, was terrific and I am constantly impressed by the wide variety of roles he can play with such skill. I sat in the audience intrigued by it all, rooting for the life of the young boy, and deploring the state of medical care. However, there are just too many things wrong with the film for me to give it more than a lukewarm recommendation. Basically, it was implausible all the way. Even at the moments of the most tension, I realized this. And without giving the conclusion away, I must say that there was one essential detail left out that just plain cheated the audience. Some of the scenes were straight out of soap opera heaven, just a little too emotional to be real. And, in between, there were too many speeches about health care, as if the audience didn't get the point and had to be told over and over again. You might want to catch this film on video or DVD, but it just doesn't play well on the big screen. True, it's about time that a movie brought the health care message to the public. The writers of this film meant well. It just wasn't good enough. Too bad. A Big Heart What a touching movie.This movie star's Denzel Washington(a terrific actor ), he plays the role of a caring father that would sacrifice his life for his son. The superb :"John Q" with Denzel Washington JOHN Q was an amazing , important piece of work by Nick Cassavetes. Wow. Seems both sad and ironic that I watch this during Fourth of July weekend, when we boast again about our Independence from England, yet our country is in a pitiful mess. This is a great performance by Denzel ranking up there with "Training Day", "Glory" and "Philadelphia". A couple of times he goes over the top as John Q, but his acting and emotions make his character believable. John Q is a working man, whose family is just getting by, you can say their poor, as when his wife car becomes repossessed by the bank. His family has medical insurance, where he pays $100 a month or so, although as we learn doesn't mean a damn thing when it REALLY MATTERS. His kid becomes sick and we learn that he has a bad heart. Q's only recourse is to give his kid a heart transplant at the behest of a greedy HMO Chiropractor played James Woods and the greedy , white hospital director Rebecca Payne played Anne Heche. These are some vile characters. Despite the claims that Hope Memorial hospital helps out everyone, in reality they help out the rich with fat checkbooks. Q learns that PPO former medical plan has changed and that the hospital wont offer any help. So basically he has to watch his son die with the Hospital Director with her million dollar salary and others not giving a damn. Aint that sweet Capitalism and Greed triumphs over Loyalty and Values in America. Q takes matter into his own hands and well the rest is history. Nick Cassavetes through this powerful, great film brings into the focus the Disarray , and Greed in Medical Care in America. Despite the fact that we boast about being the greatest superpower, WE CANT even take care of our people and, sadly it seems that the person in charge don't care. Talk about impact this movie makes it. Sad to say I don't think the situation will change whether a Democrat or Republic will take office. See John Q!!! I bet Michael Moore has as his next movie will supposedly tackle the Health Care Industry. Cassavetes does a great job here I wouldn't be surprised if Moore borrows a lot for that films from this one. Also look for James Woods as the equally vile rich pathetic Ray Liotta coming his pathetic performance in "Hannibal" gives Buy John Q at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on John Q Search with the Priority Search Engine on John Q This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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