Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson draw huge audiences on their own. Add additional stars Sydney Pollack, Amanda Peet, William Hurt and Toni Collette – although their roles are each too small – to Changing Lanes, and the video release of this revenge drama should enjoy a great response.

The story, however, is nothing new. Think Falling Down (Michael Douglas) in a new decade. But then again, how many stories are new in Hollywood these days? Making his American directorial debut, Roger Michell (Notting Hill) says the movie is "about a chance meeting between two men that spins them out of their orbits, causing them to behave in irrational, strange and violent ways." He adds, "You just don’t expect the steps these guys will take to get to each other."

Ben Affleck plays Gavin, a high-powered attorney on his way to court when he becomes involved in a traffic accident with Doyle (Jackson) who is also on his way to court. Because the accident causes Gavin to be late, he looses his last chance to stop his wife from taking away his children. Already attending AAA meetings, Doyle’s life spirals down from here. He does, however, hold the key to what could mean a "break or make" career – including a jail term – for Gavin. Seems Gavin accidentally gives Doyle a file folder he needs in court by the end of the day.

As the men begin a mine’s-bigger-than-yours battle over who wants what and when, the day turns into just one more "rage against time and each other" brouhaha. Seriously, these two talents have so much more to offer than this.

Gavin is battling corporate dishonesty in his law firm, something that’s hard to fight since he’s just been made a partner by his father-in law, a man dangling carrots of million-dollar sail boats in his face. When Gavin lays the facts on the line for his wife (Peet), she implies he should do whatever is necessary to continue their good life. As he goes through the day, his mind supposedly contemplates the evil and wrongdoing he imposes on Doyle, but little does his musing stop him.

At least with Doyle, we can see his motivation for giving up. Losing his children, his wife, and the home he wants to buy for them as well as having his credit record suddenly wiped out seems too much for any man to experience, especially in a matter of hours and at the hand of a stranger. The fact that both men redeem themselves and say they’re sorry before evening falls – is just too trite an ending.

(Released by Paramount Pictures and rated "R" for language.)