John Q (2002)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche, Ray Liotta, Eddie Griffin
Director: Nick Cassavetes

Rating: PG-13

Studio: New Line Cinema

Review Posted: 2.18.02

Spoilers: Yes/Minor

Rating: 2/4

By Craig Younkin.

The only thing worse than a conflict between good and evil is a conflict between good and good, and such is the case with Denzel Washington's "John Q".

"John Q" is a film that takes on the healthcare system in this country, but sadly can only begin shockingly and quickly drift into something that feels so unnatural and ridiculous.

Here, Washington plays John Quincy Archibald, a financially struggling factory worker who is met with every parent's worst nightmare when his son Mike collapses during a baseball game. John and his wife rush him to the emergency room where they are told that Mike's heart is too large, and that a new heart will have to take its place. However, a problem arises when the hospital's leading physician and administrator (James Woods and Anne Heche, who are each about as comforting as the grim reaper) require a $75,000 down payment just to get Mike on the organ donor list.

John doesn't have that kind of money, and when he tries to take it out of his workman's insurance, he is told that the company switched carriers and that $20,000 is the best they can give him. John tries to push his luck by selling many of his possessions, but even after that, he still comes in short of the goal.

With no options left, John takes the hospital hostage. He says he'll execute somebody if his kid is not put on the donors list. John's request is met by the coming of the police; in particular a hostage negotiator named Frank Grimes (Robert Duvall) and Police chief Monroe (Ray Liotta), who faces reelection in the coming year and therefore would like John taken out as efficiently as possible.

The hostages are your garden-variety hostages, featuring street hustlers, a pregnant woman, another woman who is either intentionally or unintentionally an airhead, and another who can't speak English. They're all clichés from other hostage films, and when the movie uses them to discuss the state of healthcare in this country, it turns into one of the most ridiculous looking "Politically Incorrect" episodes ever assembled. More so since many of them are talking with a gun to their head.

I'm also sure that there is a two-sided argument to this issue, but the film is only inclined to take one angle. This is not because it cares, but because it is easier to go for the tear ducts when focusing on the point of view of the poor victim(s). Only the result is something so preachy and heavy-handed that groans usually replace tears.

Denzel Washington is an actor who deserves so much better than this, but still delivers one of the most root-able efforts of his career. He captures a man willing to do anything for his son, and the drama and intensity he brings to the screen almost always feels genuine. I also liked the supporting performances from Kimberly Elise and Robert Duvall, only like much of the rest of the characters, they're reduced to playing cardboard cutouts.   

"John Q" had one of the most inspirational trailers of the New Year, filled with drama and suspense. The film on the other hand manages very little, mostly due to poor execution and a script that drifts into manipulation and predictability way too often.

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