Movie Review

'Lanes' tackles real life conflicts

by R. Anthony Thurman
Staff Writer

Speeding down a busy New York City street on a rainy Friday, two New Yorkers­successful lawyer Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck) and recovering alcoholic Doyle Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson)­get into a fender-bender after battling over the same lane.

Initially the two men are civil when the accident occurs. Banek, who has money, does not want the hassle of insurance companies and offers Gipson a signed blank check. Gipson, who think they should exchange insurance information, does not accept the check.

Fed-up and in dire need to be in court on time, Banek gets into his car, shouting, "Better luck next time!" as he drives away, leaving Gipson abandoned in the middle of the road with a flat tire. This is where the movie gets interesting.

Both men are scheduled for important court dates. Banek needs to present a signed document proving that an elderly millionaire signed over control of his foundation to Banek's law firm. Gipson has to go for an attempt to satisfy his ex-wife by showing he has loan approval to buy a house for his family, in hope she will stay in New York and not move to Oregon with their two sons.

But when Gipson appears in court late, he walks into find out that the case has already been settled and he had lost. Banek gets to court on time, but realizes he left the vital file folder with the man's signed signature at the scene of the accident. Somehow the folder winds up in Gipson's possession.

In response to Banek's impoliteness, Gipson faxes a page from the file to Banek with "Better luck next time! " written all over it.

In response to Gipson's witty revenge, Banek turns to a guy (Dylan Baker) to mess with Gipson's credit rating, so his home mortgage falls through. Back and forth the two angry men exchange clever counterattacks.

But despite what television previews might imply, this film is not just a film about two hotheads who do not know when to quit. The movie goes much deeper than that.

"Changing Lanes," tackles many different issues, from the consequences of these two men's actions, to real racial and class conflicts, which regular films hide from.

Gipson is a recovering alcoholic, whose marriage, much like his booze, is on the rocks. Banek leads an affluent and privileged life.

He just made partner of a prestigious Wall Street law firm, plus he is married to the boss' daughter.

The writers, Chap Taylor and Michael Tolkin, focus on the diversity of these two men's worlds as well as the heated battle between them.

Despite a predictable fairy tale ending, this is one of the best movies of 2002 so far. This movie receives a solid recommendation for all moviegoers.