Changing Lanes **** (2002, Ben Affleck, Samuel L. Jackson) – Classic Movie Review 1425

Director Roger Michell’s 2002 drama is a real thriller. It was one of its year’s best films.

After a minor road prang in the rain in New York, harassed, up-and-coming lawyer Ben Affleck and insurance salesman Samuel L. Jackson embark on a furious, ever-escalating campaign of mutual revenge as their mutual road rage escalates into a full-on feud.

Exploring characters and issues, this is more of a thoughtful, provocative drama rather than a thriller, though it works perfectly as both. Chap Taylor’s intelligent screenplay, the well-judged performances and Michell’s sure handling add up to strong, engrossing entertainment for adult audiences.

Working at their top level, Affleck and Jackson are excellent.

Toni Collette, Kim Staunton, Sydney Pollack, Tina Sloan, Richard Jenkins, Akil Walker, Cole Hawkins, Ileen Getz, Jennifer Dundas, Matt Malloy, Amanda Peet, Myra, Lucretia Taylor, Bruce Altman, William Hurt, Dylan Baker and Joe Grifasi flesh out the great cast.

Targeting grown-ups, it did well to take $100million on a $45million budget.

Michell’s the director of Notting Hill, The Mother (2003) and Persuasion (2007).

http://derekwinnert.com/notting-hill-classic-film-review-184/

http://derekwinnert.com/the-mother-2003-anne-reid-daniel-craig-classic-movie-review-1422/

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1425

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com/