Critical Care

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Critical Care

R

1997

1h 45m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

59%

Tomatometer

17 Reviews

30%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Medical resident Dr. Werner Ernst (James Spader) aspires to help sick people, but is constantly warned by his mentor, Dr. Butz (Albert Brooks), to treat only patients with good insurance coverage. Soon, Ernst must deal with two sisters, Felicia (Kyra Sedgwick) and Connie (Margo Martindale), who are arguing over the proper treatment for their ill father. Although he tries to remain uninvolved, Ernst finds himself attracted to Felicia, though he suspects both women are really after money.

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: A-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Andrew Sarris

Observer

...it emerges as a magically entertaining blend of heart, soul, mind, wit, farce and, finally, an idyllic idealism.

Apr 27, 2007

Full Review

Globe and Mail

Rated: 2/4

Apr 12, 2002

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

There's not much that's subtle in Lumet's tirade against the greed of the medical profession and health-care system and patients who sue.

Rated: B-

May 20, 2011

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 2/5

Oct 10, 2005

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 10, 2005

Full Review

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M O

Paced well, somewhat funny but actually quite soulful and tells an excellent story that will be relatable to anyone who has ever had family in long term care at a hospital or insurance woes *because* of hospitals and doctors. Great cast! Jeffrey Wright turns in a stellar performance, as always. Helen Mirren is restrained and a class act. James Spader somehow pulls off a late 20s medical resident really well without being snobbish or entitled.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/30/22

Full Review

Audience Member

So not worth 1.75 hours of characters, crew, and filming locations!!!!!!!!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Lumet tries to do for the US healthcare system what he did for the television industry with Network, but it's lacking bite.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I was bored quite fast. Good scenes here and there. Very forgettable.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Not bad medical drama hampered by the fact that for a great deal of the film Spader's character behaves like an idiot. This isn't the actor's fault, he gives as good a performance as possible considering the actions forced on him by the script. He is certainly supported by a high quality cast in almost every role. Kyra Sedgwick is annoying and not terribly convincing but she is the lone sore spot. Helen Mirren is wonderful as an understanding and compassionate nurse and Albert Brooks a stitch as a loony doctor well past his sell by date. The script has many holes but it does make a strong plea for doctors seeing patients as people not just science projects and sources of income.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

fuck our heath care system!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

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Sidney Lumet

Director

James Spader

Dr. Werner Ernst

Kyra Sedgwick

Felicia Potter

Helen Mirren

Stella

Margo Martindale

Constance "Connie" Potter

Jeffrey Wright

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Synopsis

Medical resident Dr. Werner Ernst (James Spader) aspires to help sick people, but is constantly warned by his mentor, Dr. Butz (Albert Brooks), to treat only patients with good insurance coverage. Soon, Ernst must deal with two sisters, Felicia (Kyra Sedgwick) and Connie (Margo Martindale), who are arguing over the proper treatment for their ill father. Although he tries to remain uninvolved, Ernst finds himself attracted to Felicia, though he suspects both women are really after money.

Director: Sidney Lumet
Producer: Steven S Schwartz, Sidney Lumet
Production Co: Live Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 16, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $169.4K
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Surround

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