Reel Critics

Diane and Igal Silber

“Changing Lanes,” a film starring Samuel L Jackson and Ben Affleck,

could have been even better than it was.

This is a slick, fast-paced exploration of two characters battling

within themselves to find their own moral compasses while dealing with

the often murky and slippery world they inhabit.

Unfortunately, the movie feels shallow and superficial. Samuel Jackson

plays against type as a gentle family man struggling against his past

alcoholism and bouts of uncontrolled anger. Affleck is a bright,

aggressive young lawyer whose ethical standards slowly change as he

strives for the good life.

“Is doing more good than evil enough?” is the question the movie asks.

An auto accident brings them together to confront themselves as they

spar with each other.

The making of a really good movie with characters growing, gaining

insight and changing is here, but alas these protagonists are drawn too

superficially and the supporting cast are simply caricatures. The plot

slows mid-film with arbitrary incidents and interactions, and ends

weakly. Sidney Pollack as Affleck’s father-in-law and Amanda Peet as his

wife are both one-dimensional props to the story. The script left the

characters shallow and gave the actors little to work with -- a shame for

such high caliber actors.

The cinematography is well done, however. All in all, this film may

keep your interest and is fun to watch but will not linger with you.