December 13th 2024.
As we move on to the next page, we can't help but reflect on the fact that Rotten Tomatoes doesn't always get it right. Sure, there are some movies that definitely deserve a "Rotten" rating, but every now and then, the review aggregator site misses the mark. Take, for example, the 2002 film John Q, which stars the incredible Denzel Washington and features an all-star cast including Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche, Kimberly Elise, and Ray Liotta. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, this movie was a hit with audiences and grossed an impressive $102 million against a $36 million budget.
But what's interesting is that John Q has recently resurfaced in the cultural conversation due to its striking similarities to the real-life assassination of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson. In the film, Denzel plays the titular character, a father who becomes fed up with the inefficiency of the American healthcare system and takes matters into his own hands by holding a hospital waiting room hostage in order to secure a heart transplant for his son. It's a gripping and emotional story that sheds light on the flaws of our healthcare system, and Denzel's performance is nothing short of amazing.
As the plot unfolds, we see John Q's desperation as he discovers that the heart transplant will cost $250,000, a sum that he simply cannot afford. With his family struggling to make ends meet and their insurance not covering the operation, John is pushed to take drastic measures to save his son's life. Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic, praised the movie's message about the need for national health insurance, but also noted that it was delivered with a heavy hand, almost like a political ad.
However, for most viewers, the intense and dramatic tone of the film is exactly what they were looking for. Denzel's performance is praised by critics and audiences alike, with many connecting with the emotional story and powerful message. Social media is filled with comments from fans who consider John Q to be one of Denzel's best films, and some have even drawn parallels between the film's plot and the possible motives behind Thompson's assassination.
It's been reported that Thompson's alleged killer, Luigi Nicholas Mangione, had previously undergone back surgery for a rare condition called spondylolisthesis. And while it's still unclear what exactly motivated Mangione to take such drastic actions, some have drawn comparisons to John Q's desperation to save his son's life and the struggle faced by many Americans in dealing with the cost and accessibility of healthcare.
In the end, John Q may not have received the critical acclaim it deserved, but its impact on viewers cannot be denied. It's a film that raises important questions about our healthcare system and the lengths that parents would go to for their children. And as we continue to discuss and debate these issues, it's clear that John Q will remain a relevant and thought-provoking film for years to come.
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