Anne Heche, Denzel Washington, Dina Spybey, Eddie Griffin, Ethan Suplee ...( see more  see more... ) , James Woods , Keram Malicki-Sánchez , Kimberly Elise , Laura Harring , Obba Babatundé , Paul Johansson , Ray Liotta , Robert Duvall , Shawn Hatosy

A down-on-his luck father, whose insurance won't cover his son's heart transplant, takes the hospital's emergency room hostage until the doctors agree to perform the operation.

Flixster Users

83% liked it

150,196 ratings

Critics

22% liked it

127 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 58 min.

Directed by: Nick Cassavetes

Release Date: February 15, 2002

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DVD Release Date: July 16, 2002

Stats: 5,663 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (5,663)


  • December 17, 2008
    Slightly overwrought thriller. Needed a stronger director and probably one more re-write.
  • June 29, 2008
    Explosive idea for a film. Denzel Washington as usual puts on a great performance.
  • June 6, 2008
    A gripping, exciting and emotionally charged edge of your seat thriller. It's ER meets Dog Day Afternoon. A very intense and moving film that has something to say. A magnificent all-star cast. Denzel Washington gives a powerful and unforgettable performance. Robert Duvall is teri...( read more)ffic. Ray Liotta is electric. James Woods is excellent. Anne Heche is marvelous.
  • May 11, 2008
    not one of the most believable scripts but some interesting actors help it move along. could've been so much better. almost too much drama. swamped in the stuff
  • March 28, 2008
    What's your take on Cassavetes? (Le Tigre song) Al-caholic!
  • February 7, 2010
    Fasciating! Showed you the true lengths that parents will go to.
  • February 3, 2010
    I don't know if there is something to like or love in this movie..because it was an experience that I'm sure nobody wants to live, and an idea that will never change anything , especially in a sick system like that..but anyway , I loved it; great performance for Denzel Washingto...( read more)n as usual.
  • January 29, 2010
    Loved it! Denzel is the best!
  • January 27, 2010
    This is the best movie ever!!! That's all I can say.
  • January 20, 2010
    It looks interesting mite take a look at this movie

Critic Reviews


February 16, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

The movie's manipulations become so transparent that it can't really touch our emotions, especially since it fails to follow through honestly on its premise. full review

February 15, 2002
Claudia Puig, USA Today

One can excuse the movie's missteps and melodramatic moments in the greater interest of the strong statement it makes about our health care system. full review

February 15, 2002
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

[Cassavetes and Kearns] stacked the deck so much that the movie becomes absurd. full review

February 15, 2002
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Timidly dips its toe into important issues only to abandon them for cheap entertainment prancing around in faux sackcloth. full review

February 15, 2002
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It is so earnest, so overwrought and so wildly implausible that it begs to be parodied. full review

February 14, 2002
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

This is an A-list cast toiling on a C-list screenplay ... and working for a director whose agenda -- and propagandist tactics -- get the better of him. full review

February 14, 2002
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

An exploitative mess trying to pass as social activism. full review

View more John Q reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • MorpheusOne
    January 23, 2008
    Great actors, great story, this could have been a great movie, but it kinda sucked. What a waste!
  • studdmufin04
    November 7, 2007
    Im a father and I would do the same thing he did if I were in similar circumstances. I didnt cry in the movie but I felt like I wanted to.
  • froggygeek
    July 1, 2007
    i love this movie!
  • kamdenphillips
    June 28, 2006
    Great movie

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

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John Q Trivia


  • In what movie did Denzel Washington hold up a hospital to get a heart transplant for his young son?  Answer »
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