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A rare breed: a thriller that actually thrills!

I'm surprised at all the negative reviews I've been hearing and reading about this movie. I think it's a class-A piece of work! This movie kept me on the edge of my seat the whole two hours and fifteen minutes. Thinking back, there are a few scenes that are quite far-fetched--and made strictly to intensify the drama--but movies are not reality! They are depictions of reality! And if you have to push the limits of logic to keep the audience's hearts pumping with anticipation--then so be it! Denzel Washington is one of my favorite actors, and he is great as always.
As he said, this role is sort of like an apology for his character in "Training Day"--the meanest motherf**ker on the face of this earth. In this case, he plays one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Of course, he ends up waving a gun around halfway through the film, but when people are pushed to the limits, you'd be surprised what that person can do--whether it's a priest, a Buddhist Monk or a strict pacifist. The supporting cast is also topnotch. James Woods and Ray Liotta are also high up on my Top 20 list of favorite actors. Robert Duvall doesn't quite make the list, but I deeply admire him as well. All of them deliver riveting performances. About the only thing I have to criticize is the score. I felt some of the music added unnecessary melodrama. As I tell people, filmmakers tend to depend too much on music, and less on the power of the performances. And of course, the film sends out a good message. These HMOs can be cold-hearted. And let's face it, there are many spoiled doctors out there who just care about the money. I know, because my Dad has been in and out of the hospital recently. John Q. did everything he could to raise the money for his child's heart transplant, but those damn doctors still didn't agree to perform the operation. It's easy to watch this movie on a superficial level and say, "That still wasn't right...taking people hostage and threatening lives of innocent people." But what would you do if you were in his shoes? What would you do if you found out your son was hours away from dying and this transplant is his only hope? You have to really think these things through before you base negative judgments on his character. "John Q" is a powerful, edge-of-your-seat, riveting piece of cinema and I will even regard it as a MUST SEE! This is one of the most exciting thrillers I've seen in a long time! My score: 9 (out of 10)

Pretty damn good!!!

John Q is a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It follows a down-on-his-luck father who takes a hospital emergency room hostage after the emergency room refuses to treat his son. After John takes the room hostage, the movie gets pretty exciting. The end of the movie is the most intense part. Overall, JOHN Q is one damn exciting movie! Denzel Washington is at the top of his game here. One of the best movies I've seen in a long time! I hope it gets out on video soon. 5/5

A TRUE Oscar Winning Performance

Don't Delay; Buy this today.
In truth, I bought this a Wal-Mart. Unlike Training Day (which I watched once and was ready to sell it or give it away), this is a truly remarkable performance by Denzel. I have only own this DVD for a fews day and have watched it nearly every day sometimes multiple times in a day. I watch it on the way home for work on my laptop in the car and continue to watch it when I get in the house.
I won't cheat out of the treat of watching the movie by providing details about the movie. It has great irony. It reveals a lot of truth about family life among the common working-class American. Denzel is awesome. A must see!
Unlike Training Day, I not looking to depart with this DVD.

Nice Try; No Cigar

The quick shot of the lamentable Hilary Clinton at the end of this epic gave the whole thing away--A Libber hatchet job on the American health care system.

When appealing to the lowest common denominator intellect--Democrat voters--all it takes are easy targets and some hearts and flowers, all of which are in ample abundance in this movie.

Knuckledomes and Kerry devotees will eat it up.

All others, stay away.

Once the glitter wears off, reality begins to set in

I liked this movie the first few times I saw it. It initially blew me away, the level that a man has to stoop to in order to save his dying son. It has highs, it has lows, it has medical drama straight out of the play book of E.R. But the more I watch it, the more it grates on my nerves. The clichés and outlandish plot just unfolds like a broken accordion. Kimberly Elise's crying scenes force me to skip forward because her shrieks are like nails on a chalkboard. The more and more I watch and dissect the movie for its take on the plight of the underinsured in America (of course, the guy just happens to be working-class black), the more I realize that the movie is riddled with inaccuracies.Blah, blah, blah. A little black kid from a working-class burb needs a new heart and dad will do anything in the world to get it for him. To think that the story ends there, even though the director does, is foolhardy thinking. What about the anti-rejection drugs the kid will have to take forever? Who will cover those costs? What about the environment he will have to live in and the limitations he will have on life? What about the thousands the kid will have in medical bills afterwards? What will dad sell then? What about if the kid rejects the heart? The movie would lose its feel-good quality if we looked at that harsh reality, but it's irresponsible not to. Let's demonize the health care industry instead. Of course! John Q is entertainment with a bit of social examination thrown in for good measure. But I hope that when one watches the movie they do not think that government will solve all with national health care. I do hope that people won't think that anyone can be saved just by calling the local news or staging a stand-off in a hospital. Take it for face value: it's a first step in a complicated argument.

Denzel Washington rises above weak material.

I really wanted to like this movie. I thought it had a compelling premise. Denzel Washington is terrific playing a working class family man willing to do anything to save his son, but the story just doesn't work. You get some insight about the state of health care,but not much else. Surprisingly, the DVD actually has some good special features. If you are into "behind the scenes" details and commentaries you won't be completely disappointed.

Deep Acting of Washington! Great!

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!

Denzel's Thrilling Emotional Ride!

John Q is by far my most favorite movie ever. Denzel Washington did an amazing job in this film, and I believe he deserves an Oscar for his role. Kimberly Elise, who played Denzels wife, did a fantastic job too. James Woods and Anne Heache both did great job as the evil heartless characters. The director, Nick Cassavetes, did a superb job with picing this film together, because there is not one dull moment in the whole entire film.

John Q's main character is John Q. Archibald, played by Denzel Washington. He has one son and a wife, but they are very poor. John works hard all day long just to make his family happy and have food on the table. One day at there son's baseball game, their son grabs at his heart and collapses. Instantly John runs into the field and picks up his son, he then runs to his car with his wife and drives to the hospital.

At the hospital they find out their son's heart is three times the size of a normal nine years olds heart and that he will need a heart transplant. If that isn't enough they find out that they do not have enough money to pay for it. They ask about there HMO and find out that they wont help either. When home they decided to sell stuff form their own home to raise the money. They do but they are still low and John asks his boss for a raise but the boss says he doesn't see how its possible.

John begs and begs Anne Heache to put his son's name on the donor list but she always says no. John's wife tell him he has to do something about.

When talking to James Woods, the surgeon, he pulls out a gun and pushs the surgeon into a room and locks the doors with chains. The guard sitting there doesn't do anything about it and John locks all the doorsup so no one can get in or out. The emercancy room he locked himself in has patients. Now comes trouble because John didn't think of the patients in there.

The exictment grows and John doesn't give up, but I wont tell you anymore. I can't wait till this film comes out on DVD because I absolutly can not wait any longer.

This movie not worthy of such a cast.

I probably shouldn't even comment on this movie, because I couldn't even finish watching it.From the scene when Densel's son Said," I can't talk". To the meeting with the cardiologist and the hospital administrator. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I read somewhere that Densel studied factory workers for some time prior to the movie, in order to establish credibility. He was obviously the only person associated with this movie that put any effort into establishing credibility.The hospital in this movie, does not exist. Ability to pay isn't even a consideration in determining the recipient of an organ. Our healthcare system is far from perfect, but it has no similarities to the one featured is this movie. No hospital in this country would treat anyone in need of care this way. I find it difficult to believe that artist of this caliper, would associate themselves with such a movie.That's all I have to say about that.

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.

One of the most touching stories I have ever viewed

This movie kept you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I know it was based on a true story but I am in search of the real life details of the actual event. My 6 year old son was so touched by the movie he has begged me to try and obtain a way to write John Quincy Archibald and his son Michael. Because of the compasion he showed for the persons depicted in the film, I would never forgive myself if I didnt at least try and get the information for him. So if there is anyone out there who can tell me where I can find this sort of information I would be greatful. If you havent seen this movie it is a must. I promise it will be one you will never forget or regret going to see. Thank you to IMD for allowing me to post my comments.sbq1966

HEART OF PRAISE!

This movie is excellent! This movie touches many parts of the human emotions. Realistic and ending in a triumph of heart convictions. This movie reminds the world how far love can go. The oscar was late in reception but this movie shows why Mr. Washington is the best. My Hero!

Outstanding Performance

This movie was incredible, Denzel played the role as John Q like the situation really happened to him. This movie is so true about Health Insurance. The poor is treated like dirt,when they pay for health insurance weekly, bi-weekly or monthly but when it's time to cover you when you are sick there's nothing no one wants to do. The rich can afford to pay for Heart Transplants and other surgeries. Denzel is a great actor and everyone else that played a part in the movie. I give it 5 stars !!!!!

The best movie ever!

This was the best movie I have ever seen. Denzel Washington played a unlucky father who's son needs a heart transplant. But, the insurance won't cover, and the doctors will refuse to operate for free. So, John Q. decides to hi-jack the emergancy room. A whole bunch of cool stuff happens, and they decide to operate. At first in the beginning, you don't know what the car crash in the beginning is all about, but in the end, you do!

Without question, a well-made movie

Denzel Washington follows his powerful and gripping role in "Training Day" with a strong, powerful and intense performance in "John Q." Immense star power, outstanding performances, a powerful message and a poignant story; these are the qualities, which make "John Q" one of the most powerful movies of the year.With raw intensity, extreme authenticity and powerful intrigue Washington leads an all-star cast that includes Robert Duvall, Ray Liotta, James Woods and Anne Heche. With tremendous support from Kimberly Elise, Daniel E. Smith and Eddie Griffin, "John Q." is a solid film that delivers on the promise to satisfy.The best thing about watching "John Q." is the conviction, integrity, brutal honesty and intense emotion each actor brings to their character. Also, the stars are not afraid to tackle the truth surrounding the health care system and the way the system treats society. Washington, Heche, Duvall and Liotta create electricity with each scene they are in."John Q." surrounds a father who has been pushed over the edge as he attempts to save the life of his son, Mike, after it is found that his heart has a defect. Though he has insurance that covers the surgery to give his son a new heart, John Q. takes the hospital hostage until the hospital administrator puts Mike's name on the list for a heart transplant.It always puts a smile on my face to watch a movie, which has the courage to tackle the truth. The writers deserve most of the credit for bringing to light one of the most important issues facing America; the health care system. Through creating intense moments and powerful scenes, the writers were able to successfully capture my attention and make me feel as if I were in the movie. Writing is the first thing I look at when I make my decision to give it a thumbs up or down, so when "John Q." passed this test, I knew it was only a matter of time before the rest would fall into place.There is not much one can say about Duvall other than he is a phenomenal talent who along with Washington brings credibility. Each film Duvall takes part in seems to turn into magic because he brings so much to each role. He may not have been the best actor in "John Q." but he was certainly the best suited for the role he had as the hostage negotiator.Heche is an added bonus to "John Q." as her role as the hospital administrator is performed with integrity, brutal honesty and fire that makes her role incredibly satisfying. Another actor who made a tremendous impact in "John Q." is James Woods Woods whose best quality is his ability to play villainous role so well it makes everyone forget that he is only playing a part. I relish the opportunity to watch his next film. Ray Liotta's role as the police chief is far and beyond his best performance to date. It's fun to watch everyone come together to turn in a great ensemble performance."The Hurricane," "Courage Under Fire," and "Philadelphia" are only three films, which has cemented Washington as one of the top notch actors in Hollywood. With his role in "John Q.," Washington brings authenticity, screen presence and ability to draw the viewers in with his unique charm. These are qualities he has been able to utilize in previous films.With the integrity of his performance and intensity of his presence, Washington was able to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout the film. A smile comes to my face with every Denzel Washington film because I know I will get a quality performance from him. It is a pleasure to watch a fine actor continue to deliver on demand."John Q." is a blockbuster with intense dialogue, powerful scenes and a poignant story that will satisfy everyone from start to finish.

And the winner is..............

Denzel Washington will definitely win the Oscar again with this role. He captures the average man without flaw. And this is the average man. This film does not candy coat reality at all. Anyone with a heart will be moved to tears with this film. It is one of those films that doesn't hold back any punches, so be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions.Kimberly Elise also gives an Oscar worthy performance, so look for her name on the ballot as well. I am so glad that I hadn't heard any spoilers , and I will not give any here. If you see a commercial for it on TV or if you hear people talking about it, just dont listen. You really need to experience this film without knowing what will happen next. This film does one of the best jobs in making the viewer bite nails and shuffle in your seat. You really dont know what's about to happen. So don't listen to the spoilers. Anne Heches role will make you very angry. James Woods could be best supporting material here as well. And everybody loves to hate Ray Liotta. This film will make you question your morals and ethics and it will show you desperation in it's realest form. Everyone can relate to this film and everyone would agree with the actions taken. That is the scary part. This film will not only pull at your strings while you are watching it , but it will make you sad and angry far after the credits have rolled. So keep the tissues and Xanax handy for this film. This is far more than just a movie, it is a political statement. This is one of the best films that I have ever seen.

Not as bad as they say it is

I remember when this movie came out there was a lot of criticism towards it. I can honestly say that the only good things I heard about about it was these positive reviews on Amazon. I was determined to see it and I was finally able to see it. Guess what? It isn't as bad as these critics say it is but then again the movie going public are usually made up of morons.Premise: John Q Archibald's son passes out during a baseball game. Once taken to the hospital John and his wife find out that their son has an enlarged heart. John goes through great lengths to get money just to get his son's name on the heart donor's list only to get screwed over by the same hospital that was supposed to look out for him. Down on his last luck, John Q holds the whole hospital hostage at gunpoint until his son's medical needs are met.Opinion: This movie is very touching as well as a sad testament to the issue involving healthcare. Many people bash the movie because they figure that the way John Q handled his son's situation was extreme but if you were in his shoes and handled that situation with passiveness then you deserve to get bullied by these corporate warthogs for being docile! Everybody with the exception of the ham that beats his girl fits into this movie perfectly. Eddie Griffin provided brief moments of levity, James Woods was great as the doctor who had to be forced into compromising and John Q is one of Denzel's finest performances. The movie has a happy as well as a sad ending but I wont spoil it for those of you who have yet to see it. They say that the message of the movie was hammered onto the audience but in a world full of proud-to-be-stupid people, the only way to get a message so serious across is to beat it into their thick heads. I'll part by saying that not every movie that is critically panned is bad and not every critically acclaimed movie is good. See it for yourself.

Grab the Tissues and the Popcorn!!

"John Q" is an emotional and powerful film that delivers a much needed message about the state of healthcare in this country. John "Q" Archibald (Denzel Washington) is a father who's having a rough time. His hours at work are being cut, his car has been repossessed and his wife is getting edgy since there's no money around. But things get unbelievably worse. During a little league game, his son drops in the middle of the field and passes out. After tests at the hospital, it's learned that John's son will need a heart transplant or he will die. But John can't afford the $250,000 price tag, so he eventually takes matters into his own hands and takes control of the emergency room, taking hostages until his son has a new heart.

The story is a somewhat fresh idea and the acting in the film is wonderful (if not a little melodramatic). All the actors in the film do an exceptional job with the exception of Anne Heche, who I thought was a little lackluster. Denzel is fantastic and gives another oscar worthy performance.

I gave the film 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt that they could have made the film a little more "edgy" being the circumstances John Q was put in. But I guess they were leaning towards a more family atmosphere even with the adult subject matter.

The dvd is very well done. The film is presented in widescreen format and looks great. No serious artifacting or imperfections present. The audio is also more than exceptable. There are some deleted scenes (which are really just alternate versions of some of the scenes that are in the film.) and a commentary track.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable and thought provoking movie. Although it may not be for everyone due to the melodramatic atmosphere, but I suggest at least renting it.

Great acting but poor scripting

I watched this movie just recently because a friend said it was great. I didn't read any reviews, only a basic sysnopsis from the trailer I've seen. And after seeing the cast (Denzel and Duvall whom I revere), I had high expectations. Most of the actors gave superb performances, especially Denzel and Woods, but the predictability and stereotyping of leading characters was a major disappointment. For those of you who hasn't seen the movie yet should expect great acting and that alone.

Yes! Go see John Q, Denzel is awesome as always!!

My husband and our 2 children watched John Q, and my husband is very critical of dramas, he loved John Q., I loved John Q., and both of my children enjoyed the show. We plan to go watch it again on Saturday.
Denzel Washington is great, he always is great, and easy on the eyes too.