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New Releases: The fast lane to the top
Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson create memorable, flawed characters in an exceptionally fine film.
By STEVE PERSALL, Times Film Critic
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 12, 2002
Changing Lanes (R)
[Photo: Paramount Pictures]
Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck become adversaries after an auto accident in Changing Lanes.
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A hotshot lawyer (Ben Affleck) rushing to court shares an auto accident with a struggling divorced father (Samuel L. Jackson) on his way to a child custody hearing. The lawyer leaves the scene illegally, stranding the other motorist and ruining his life. But the lawyer also drops an important file, found by the other motorist and used as leverage in an escalating game of revenge.
First impressions: "(The movie) uses (the) situation to explore textured motivations and reveal side personalities with more depth than usual. This isn't a matter of life and death; it's a matter of life and conscience leading it.
"Jackson turns in the first great performance of the year as Doyle, simmering with frustration about what he's done in the past and what he can't accomplish now. Affleck rises to the challenge with his least self-conscious performance since Good Will Hunting. They create memorably flawed characters viewers can root for and against at any moment while heading for a conclusion that feels genuine because, like the real world, it isn't righteous."
Second thoughts: This movie is a lock for my top-10 list of 2002 films.
DVDividends: Director Roger Michell contributes an audio commentary, plus the DVD presents several alternate endings and deleted scenes. A making-of documentary and a featurette on screenwriters Chap Taylor and Michael Tolkin are included.
Rental audience: Jackson and Affleck fans; people fascinated by ethical dilemmas.
Rent it if you enjoy: Falling Down, In the Company of Men.
The Count of Monte Cristo (PG-13)
Jim Caviezel (Angel Eyes) plays Edmond Dantes, a framed nobleman imprisoned for years and trained in the art of swordplay by an aging covict (Richard Harris). When Edmond escapes, he uses another identity and a hidden treasure for revenge against the schemer (Guy Pearce) who sent him to jail.
First impressions: "The latest screen incarnation of Alexandre Dumas' (novel) is a pretty serious bowdlerization of the oft-filmed sword-and-serious revenge fantasy. It betrays the author's intent and makes wholesale changes in the well-known plot. But considering the source, I suppose we should be relieved that the title isn't Disney's The Count of Monte Cristo.
"Kevin Reynolds, who directed Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and Waterworld, lets the story have a few flashes of humor. . . (but) sucked the life right out of this Count. This Monte Cristo is more like the sandwich of that name: deep fried toast, and not very good for you." (Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel)
Second thoughts: Crisco is more like it. This one slipped out of public awareness pretty fast.
DVDividends: The DVD version includes Reynolds' alternate commentary for the movie and four deleted scenes, plus featurettes on Dumas and screenwriter Jay Wolpert's task of adapting it. Two other options focus on swordfighting technique and choreography. A short documentary focuses upon the Napoleonic era production design while viewers can fiddle with layering sound effects for a dueling scene.
Rental audience: Swashbuckler buffs.
Rent it if you enjoy: The Man in the Iron Mask, The Three Musketeers or any previous film version of this tale.
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