neumu [ cinematronic ]




	John Q
	Nick Cassavetes Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche, Ray Liotta, Kimberly Elise, Eddie Griffin 2002		This big-issue film, confronting the real nightmare that awaits decent people in a medical crisis when the insurance falls short, is not so much a cautionary tale as a mundane horror story turned formula hostage drama. The clichés and strenuous performances send it over the top and down the other side. Denzel Washington is in noble mode as a factory worker who adores his wife and son. Too bad that Dad is reduced to part-time hours with a mailbox full of unpaid bills. Repo men even repossessed one of his family's two cars. Sure enough, his adorable boy chooses that time to collapse while running the bases during a Little League baseball game. Gimme a "Boo!" Gimme a "Hoo!" Only a heart transplant will save the kid, says the arrogant, wealthy surgeon (James Woods). You don't have enough insurance coverage or assets to pay for the procedure, says the smug, cold hospital administrator (Anne Heche). So Dad does something drastic. With Robert Duvall as the good cop and Ray Liotta as the bad cop.