Fact: There are so many medical errors in this movie that it's hard to take seriously in terms of plausibility, especially if you have a clinical background.
It's also a fact that the movie is well-acted and an enjoyable watch. Denzel Washington is a national treasure, and Robert Duvall, James Woods, and Ann Heche deliver solid performances. Almost every actor in JOHN Q brings something of value to the table.
The flaws in the American medical system are well known to everyone regardless of their ideological bent. The fact that, at it's best, it's the world's finest and most sophisticated health care is not reasonably disputable. The fact that this excellence is too often available only to those of means is also not a matter of dispute, both before the ACA when this movie was made and since its passage.
JOHN Q delivers this message forcefully, but to what end? Everyone wants quality health care for all; our leaders simply can't agree upon or find a way to get there. Nevertheless, a bit of preaching to the choir is OK once in a while as a reminder, and here, it's heavy handed while stopping short of being overbearing.
JOHN Q is a problematic film. JOHN Q is a worthwhile film. Both statements can be -- and are -- true.
As an honest reviewer, given its many flaws, I can't give JOHN Q more than 5 stars ... but I sure as heck want to.
It's also a fact that the movie is well-acted and an enjoyable watch. Denzel Washington is a national treasure, and Robert Duvall, James Woods, and Ann Heche deliver solid performances. Almost every actor in JOHN Q brings something of value to the table.
The flaws in the American medical system are well known to everyone regardless of their ideological bent. The fact that, at it's best, it's the world's finest and most sophisticated health care is not reasonably disputable. The fact that this excellence is too often available only to those of means is also not a matter of dispute, both before the ACA when this movie was made and since its passage.
JOHN Q delivers this message forcefully, but to what end? Everyone wants quality health care for all; our leaders simply can't agree upon or find a way to get there. Nevertheless, a bit of preaching to the choir is OK once in a while as a reminder, and here, it's heavy handed while stopping short of being overbearing.
JOHN Q is a problematic film. JOHN Q is a worthwhile film. Both statements can be -- and are -- true.
As an honest reviewer, given its many flaws, I can't give JOHN Q more than 5 stars ... but I sure as heck want to.