Changing Lanes (2002)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007

“Changing Lanes” was released in 2002. But there is another movie (which is superior but different) that was released in 2006 called “The Prestige.” Both movies are about two men battling each other in escalating revenge, tit for tat. Both movies are consuming, and I recommend them.

Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck) and Doyle Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson) are both driving in busy, morning traffic on the FDR highway when they have a small fender bender. No one is hurt. Both are reasonably collected and commendably civil. But they are both in a profound hurry.

Doyle wants to do things “by the book” and exchange insurance information. Gavin simply needs to quickly be on his way, so he offers to leave a blank check with Doyle for damages. Doyle refuses because he wishes “to do this the right way.” Gavin does not comply and leaves.

This is the inciting incident that sets a series of events in motion like a snowball rolling down a slope. I will not disclose any more about the plot; but rest assured, “Changing Lanes” does an excellent job at depicting how scarily ugly vengefulness can become.

Where “Changing Lanes” goes amiss is with its characters: We should equally like and equally root for both individuals, back and forth, as their battle ensues. But we don’t, because, Gavin is too immoral. Neither person is an angel, but we tend to lean toward Doyle’s predicaments.

“The Prestige” corrects this oversight. We are equally heartbroken and equally angry with both of the movie’s characters as they trade blows.

Directed by Roger Michell
Samuel L. Jackson / Ben Affleck / Sydney Pollack
99 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up

DVD release date: September 10, 2002
Copyright 2007.
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