"Changing Lanes" Review Thread

[bskutle]

The title says it all. It didn't look like anyone had made a topic for the Affleck-Jackson drama yet, so I took it upon myself to. Here's my review, what did the rest of the Schmoes think?

"Changing Lanes"- A
Two men with very different lives- one is a hot-shot lawyer (Ben Affleck), the other a dead-beat father and recovering alcoholic (Samuel L. Jackson)- find themselves in desparate situations when they get into a fender bender on the FDR on their way to important court dates. The encounter becomes an all-out war as the pair up the ante on each other when their court appearences bring about disasterous results, and life-altering consequences. The above description doesn't do this gripping battle of wills between the two volatile men justice, as what starts as an immature game escalates into something much more tragic and defining for the men. Director Roger Michell (who directed "Notting Hill," of all things) keeps the drama high and message- do the right thing- a bit heavy-handed, but the gusto and intelligence with which Affleck and Jackson play their characters keeps your eyes on the screen, and your mind from wandering.

[dh1989]

SPOILERS

Review: Changing Lanes


Starring Ben Affleck, Samuel L. Jackson, Toni Collette, William Hurt, and Amanda Peet


Rating 8/10

I saw this film last night I came out very pleased. This movie was very intresting. The performances of Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson were both great. They really fell into their characters. Affleck was the perfect choice for the slimy lawyer who tricks old crazy men. His performance here really makes me look forward to THE SUM OF ALL FEARS. I just hope his lawyer character in DAREDEVIL is not similar. Samuel L. Jackson once again makes me think he is one today's most talented actors. That dude has got depth and anger. He can play anything from sad father to racsist beater to drunk to raging killer. He plays all those note swith ease. I also love the bleak color and raw camerawork in this movie. It really jsut made you get into this swirling overcast New York day that will change these men's lives. A few scenes I remember being very great were the school scenes, Jackson's late arrival for the hearing, the actual crash sequence, the sprinkler scene, and Afflecks whole sppech at the end about the girl. Plus this movie had a wicked score. It was very exciting and hit allt he right notes. But I just say this movie is not perfect. I was pissed about the throwaway performances of Amanda Peet and William Hurt. Those loser characters could ahve been played by JoeSchmoe and JaneyDoe. Not talented respected thespians. Also Sidney Pollack's character did not bother me so much after we learn that Sam Dunn made his cash off sweatshops. I don't care where the old bag's cash goes. And Toni Collette has the ugliest teeth and haircut! They should have cast a funny charming supermodel. But still this movie was very good and I hope it makes some good money. I would se it again if FRAILTY was not opening. I am really dying to see that move. Go Paxton. Go O'Leary

[sleekproductions]

Bump.

[Moviefreek]

Just cought this one, The emotions between these guys flew, i was so angry when one thing happened to the other, i just could see what i would do in the situation, the acting was great and so was the direction, thou at some points, it was a little shaky, but other than that it was good, i would have to agree, it was good, but it's not one that will be rememebered for years to come.

7/10

[Johnny Utah]

Has anyone seen in the TV spots for this, there is a scene with Jackson and Affleck in an actual fight that is not in the film. The two don't really get that physical in the film but this cut scene looks like it took the film's climax into a whole different direction. Anybody know about this alternate ending? I wish the fight had been kept in because the film's climax as it is now is way too tame.

[Horror whore]

Johnny, I was wondering the same thing. And I didn't really care for this long boring movie. It was really pointless. I think it's more of an "adult movie", no not that kind of adult! My mom liked it though...

4/10

[DaFuNk44]

Changing Lanes was a surprise hit for me. I went interested in the idea of two guys in this cat and mouse game, and especially b/c the two leads are two of my favorite actors. At times you wonder how much longer is this back and forth game gunna go on, but it was realistic and showed the extremes of two men on the brink. Ben Affleck really surprised me and I thought he gave a great performance. I enjoyed it because it kept me entertained, guessing and not knowing which guy to dislike more. A surpising hit, a definite must see !
-- 8/10

[BettyLouisePlotnick]

I was really looking forward to seeing this movie. I bought my ticket early Thursday past and anxiously sat in the theater half an hour before it started. To my surprise, I left the theater after the movie with a funny taste in my mouth. And this time is was not the stale popcorn....

I had such high hopes for this film. Sam Jackson is an all time fave actor of mine, and Ben Affleck has proven to be more than a pretty face. The supporting cast also had high rankers of my fave actors.

The plot, IMHO, had great potential. The characters great. I loved the whole idea on no real 'bad' or 'good' guys to root for. They were both good people who did bad things, both really on the same side just trying to catch a break. Unfortunatly, and I still can't pinpoint exactly what went wrong, but it didn't come together for me as I hoped for.

Some scenes seemed rushed, where others were too slow paced. I must say that I really enjoyed the first 30 mins... but after that it sort of lost my attention. I guess if I had to rate it, 5/10 maybe 4/10.

[chrisboo]

6/10

I also felt the 2 leads did great jobs with this story, but the blandness of the ending just took some of the wind out of this one. It seemed like it came short of hitting a real climax. Plus, I really felt like I had seen most of the important bits of the movie from the trailer and that's always disappointing.

[This message has been edited by chrisboo (edited 04-29-2002).]

[The1TrueFrog]

I gave it a 5/10 - good story, but not the best flick ever... shouldn't these be under "What did you think" instead?