Changing Lanes

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Changing Lanes

R

2002

1h 38m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

Action

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

150 Reviews

53%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

A rush-hour fender-bender on New York City's crowded FDR Drive, under most circumstances, wouldn't set off a chain reaction that could decimate two people's lives. But on this day, at this time, a minor collision will turn two complete strangers into vicious adversaries. Their means of destroying each other might be different, but their goals, ultimately, will be the same: Each will systematically try to dismantle the other's life in a reckless effort to reclaim something he has lost.

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Critics Consensus

Though some may find its conclusion unsatisfying, Changing Lanes is a tense, well-crafted exploration of meaty ethical dilemmas.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/22/2010

4/5

Emotionally violent thriller for mature teens.

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Robert Koehler

Variety

09/22/2008

Combines a knack for storytelling with a rare instinct for exploring ideas within the framework of a major, star-driven Hollywood movie.

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Olly Richards

Empire Magazine

12/30/2006

4/5

One of the most impressive movies of the year; taut and compelling.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

04/02/2024

3/4

Changing Lanes admirably manages to largely steer clear of black and white simplicity by adorning itself in an appealing shade of gray.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

02/03/2024

... an overlooked film that delves into anger management, revenge, and culpability.

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Joe Leydon

The Moving Picture Show

09/24/2021

Time and again, "Changing Lanes" subversively upends expectations.

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Connie R.

@concon0113 Feb 14

I was waiting for the next thing to happen! Good thriller.

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Patrick M

@Cannonwill Jan 27

This one is a thriller, a well played drama/thriller!! Keeps you in tune with the story, on the edge, and always guessing. An all star cast and great film work!! I recommend this film, even for a second watch! Who's right, whose wrong? Antagonists and protagonists are continously varied. Reall well done!!

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Daniel L

@RT24087858 Jan 22

Interesting thriller that just continues to escalate until it peaks. Was entertaining but wouldn't watch it again.

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jeffery v

@Fatso Jan 17

One of Sam Jackson's best performances. His anger is controlled below the surface until it erupts with a charged but controlled energy that makes the viewer feel his pain more than fear his wrath.

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Andrew M

@RT74562588 04/30/2025

Underaged but good to see Samuel Jackson in another role.

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Alejandro E

@Alex970 03/14/2025

Without much in the way of aspirations, this drama has characters fairly close to real life; it's almost an allegory for the level of stress anyone is exposed to on a bad day. For a weekend, to kill 96 painless minutes.

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Synopsis

A rush-hour fender-bender on New York City's crowded FDR Drive, under most circumstances, wouldn't set off a chain reaction that could decimate two people's lives. But on this day, at this time, a minor collision will turn two complete strangers into vicious adversaries. Their means of destroying each other might be different, but their goals, ultimately, will be the same: Each will systematically try to dismantle the other's life in a reckless effort to reclaim something he has lost.

Director: Roger Michell
Producer: Scott Rudin
Screenwriter: Chap Taylor, Michael Tolkin
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama, Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 12, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $66.8M
Runtime: 1h 38m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)