John Q (DVD, 2002)

Denzel Washington's performance was good, of course, but the script was HORRIBLE and the story becomes more outrageous and unbelievable the longer it goes on. It really got crazy when Denzel's character decides that the only way he can save his son's life is to blow his own brains out so that his heart could be transplanted into his son. And the doctor, played by James Woods, AGREES...even though he knows it's unethical, morally wrong and that his heart may not even be a true match! This crazy plot overshadows raising awareness for the health care issues in this country. When Denzel is saying goodbye to his son (before he's about to go kill himself), he tells his son that when he grows up he should make as much money as he can "even if you have to sell out." This could have been a believable story, but that just blew it all for me. I'm surprised Denzel Washington chose to be a part of this project. Two-thirds of the way through the movie, my husband and I were just laughing at it. Don't waste your time with this movie!

If this story were real, it is very unlikely that John Q's choice of action would have had a positive result. The movie also has a slightly harsh view of the medical field, but I think it’s meant to criticize health care in America more than doctors. Yet the doctor in this movie happens to be a hot shot who can flirt with a rich man's wife and play tennis with him also. If you're a real doctor, watch Patch Adams for inspiration, not John Q.

Overall, this movie gets a "quick positive feedback". In the beginning this movie does such a good job of showing a happy family, despite the fact that they're experiencing hardships. Almost every time I watch that movie, someone in the audience towards the beginning has to mention out loud that they absolutely love that family. To say that the wife was a little demanding is an understatement, but in the end she supported her husband. And I don't think any movie shows a father's love better than John Q. I particularly like the scene where John Q. is about to kill himself so that his son can have his heart, and he takes a moment to give his son as much fatherly advice as he can. And the advice he gives is so good! If I didn't think it would ruin the movie I'd write it out word for word in this review. That one scene alone makes it worth it to endure someone's two-hour political argument. And as far as the politics go, they just might have a good point there.

I believe this to be one of several Denzel Washingtons very moving movies. It definitily helped put him on the road to becoming the actor he is today, although there are many that could be classed in the same catagory. He can play any role that's put before him. Like this movie, it shows and tells just how far a father will go to save the life of his child. Even at the expense of his own life or being there to watch part or all of his childs growth. The life of his child became all that mattered.
THIS MOVIE IS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE AS TO WHY THIS COUNTRY NEEDS GOOD AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE. THERE HAS TO BE AWAY TO ACOMPLISH THIS, OTHERWISE I'M AFRAID THIS MAY NOT ONLY BE A MOVIE, BUT BECOME REALITY!
Adding this to our collection is an honor and a privilage to have.
As you can tell we are Denzel Washington fans and admirers.

I bought this movie, because it is one of the best I have ever seen. I don't think anyone's video library is complete without it.

Denzel Washington is an amazing actor, and I have most of his movies. But, this is one of his best. He plays a father, who will do whatever it takes, to save his son's life.

He is so believable in this role, that you actually feel as though you are there with him, and watching his son get weaker and weaker, just breaks your heart. You almost feel as though you are about to lose one of your own children.

I would recommend this movie for anybody that watches movies - regardless of age, genre, anything! It is truly one of the best!

This movie is one of Denzel Washington's best. Quite different from his usual typecast character as a policeman or detective, John Q is just an everyday working man, finding it very difficult to survive in today's economy. What he is forced to do to save his son is very emotional but illegal as well. If you like Denzel Washington as much as I do and enjoy a very touching and emotional movie, you have to see this one.