This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "Changing Lanes", the early 2000s drama built around one bad day and two men whose lives collide in all the worst ways.
Mike Butler remembers enjoying this film the first time around, and on rewatch there is still a lot to like. The dual protagonist structure, where each man also serves as the other’s antagonist, creates an interesting dynamic. Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck both deliver strong performances, bringing intensity and humanity to characters pushed to their limits.
Mike Field also appreciates the performances and the decision to treat this concept as a grounded drama rather than a more conventional action thriller. However, he finds the dual main character setup distracting, making it harder to fully invest in either character’s journey.
Both Mikes agree the film is not without its flaws. There are noticeable contrivances, and the resolution leans a bit too conveniently toward a tidy ending. Butler also feels Affleck’s character could have used more development, particularly in showing what drives him toward the darker choices he begins to make.
Even with those issues, "Changing Lanes" remains a compelling and thoughtful early-2000s drama, anchored by strong performances and a premise that still resonates.
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0:00 - Introduction
3:51 - Film Facts
9:20 - Film Discussion
27:47 - Reviews
34:11 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
37:43 - Why Is This Forgotten?
39:43 - Plugs
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