True, he seems a little dumb or oblivious to what goes on in the world, but that's the character. John (Washington) is a gentle and caring father and husband who has had a run of bad luck leading up to the tragedy in the film.

I guess some of it is due to the directing but the interaction between the supporting characters just didn't work in some scenes thanks to the script. The cops on the case of the hostage situation confront each other with ridiculous rhetoric that just seems to have no place in the movie. We find out a little about the history behind Ray Liotta and Robert Duvall's characters, but its never expanded. So I ask you, why even bring it up if you're not going to elaborate on it?  
Also, the actions of the hostages in the beginning of the movie seem unusually blasé; they act as if they are held hostage by a high school bully. It is reason for alarm but you don't feel like your life is in danger. I would have thought that these people would be absolutely terrified. Also, the ending is sufficient but I believe that it would have been much more memorable had they taken a different path with it.

Still, the story and the performances of Washington and Kimberly Elise (who plays the wife of John) make the movie worth seeing. Since I already know that Washington can hold his own, I wasn't really surprised by his acting. Elise on the other hand, was an unexpected pleasure to watch. I know that some of you out there will vilify me for saying so, but I think that her performance was better than Sissy Spacek's in In The Bedroom. As far as I'm concerned, Spacek has already won the Oscar for Best Actress this year. I don't know why but people just love her performance in that movie, and with the way that the buzz is going I would bet money on her winning (when the obvious choice should be Nicole Kidman). Anyway, I will discuss that more in depth later this week with my column on the Oscars (for Best Actor/Actress). Kimberly Elise gives a performance that I believe is worthy of a nomination. (Is it too early to talk about nominations for next year?) That she can shine like she does opposite one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood is amazing.

The movie is very affective in pulling us into the lives of this family, making us angry and sad along with them. The performances of Washington and Elise made me wish that there was no need for others in the movie, since the story and dialogue between the two of them was excellent, as where the rest was pretty badly written.
As A Critic: B-.

Average Moviegoer: This movie is an emotional roller coaster ride. The thing though is that you will feel like this rollercoaster just takes you deeper and deeper into emotional pain. Yet, you are more than willing to take the journey. I have to confess that this movie pulled me in and I was teary-eyed for most of it. No, the tears didn't pour down, just a little blurry vision. The thing is that the movie angers you so much that when it gets sad emotionally, you can't help but feel grief along with the main characters.

The movie sets up well, as we are introduced to a family of three that have their share of problems, yet they are still happy to be together. You laugh along with them, then all of a sudden you feel despair along with them. When I think back to the movie now, I can't remember a single moment that I was bored. In fact, I believe that the mostly sold out theater was transfixed on the screen throughout. You want to keep watching...no, you have to keep watching. My guess is that even though most critics seem to dislike the movie, audiences will adore it. John Q will have a long theater run, as word of mouth is sure to spread. Although I didn't like the ending to the movie as a critic, I believe that most people will like it. Washington is great to watch as always; his delivery of the dialogue and expressions of rage as well as pain makes it impossible not to care about the whole situation. Some of the other characters add some welcome comic relief. I believe that most people that walk out of the theater will think that they have seen a great movie.
Average Moviegoer: A.