Changing Lanes (2002, VHS)

Oh, did you have a fender bender on your way to court today? Where do you go from there? Write the other guy a blank check and be on your way? What if the other guy had something YOU wanted?

Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck) and Doyle Gipson (Samuel L Jackson) meet during a fender bender on the FDR Turnpike. Underestimating Doyle, Gavin hastily writes this "po' black man," a blank check, hoping to be rid of him and on his way to court. Doyle just wants a ride to where he is going, as his next 1/2 hour is equally important.

Each man has absolutely no idea what the effect of this encounter will have on his next 12 hours. As my husband said, it is the longest day in the history of the world. At least in the first part of the movie, you are expecting Doyle Gipson to roll over and play dead. Strap on your seat belts for a roller coaster ride!

For each man this is a pivoting day, where aside from the antics each man inflicts upon the other, each man is forced to look inside himself, to see what makes him tick. Is each man satisfied with himself, or is there something deep inside that desperately needs changing?

Although enjoyable to watch, some of the situations were totally unbelievable, or I don't know enough about computers and electronics. I had no idea how some of the knowledge is gained about the other party, and I had to totally suspend my logic and just go with the flow.

Although ordinary and adequate for the most part, I thought either the director or the camera man did a good job on a couple of shots, particularly one focusing in on a glass of alcohol, with a lemon twist.

This movie just seemed to go on and on, I think I was ready for an ending about 20 minutes before it came.

Sydney Pollack (director of The Firm and producer of The Talented Mr. Ripley) did a good job as a lawyer playing Gavin's father in law, his most memorable line being something about "if you do more good than bad by the end of the day, its been a good day." My hubby wondered if the execs at Enron and WorldCom felt the same way.

Kim Staunton (As the World Turns) plays Doyle's wife, Valerie. Amanda Peet (Saving Silverman) plays Gavin's wife,Cynthia. Directed by Robert Michell, (Notting Hill), writing by Chap Taylor (production assistant in Sabrina).

There were references to marital affairs, and the "f word" was used a few times, but curse words weren't used frequently. There were a few car crashes, no personal violence I can recall. No nudity. Another reviewer noticed the World Trade Center was filmed, but I didn't notice it.

Runtime: 99 minutes