Changing Lanes 2002

A driven New York attorney, Gavin Banek, is racing against time to file a significant power of appointment document, which will substantiate that a wealthy deceased individual, Simon Dunn, entrusted his foundation to Banek’s law firm. However, the deceased’s daughter, Mina Dunn, stands in Banek’s way, insisting she should manage the estate herself. Under immense pressure to secure the account for his firm, Banek’s determination leads him to a fateful encounter.

In a rush, Banek collides with another vehicle driven by Doyle Gipson, an insurance salesman who is also hurrying to a custody hearing, desperate to keep his children from being taken away by his estranged wife to Oregon. Instead of addressing the situation responsibly, Banek offers Gipson a blank check to smooth things over, only to be met with Gipson’s commitment to “do the right thing” by filing a police report and proceeding with an insurance claim. Consequently, Banek callously brushes him off with a dismissive, “Better luck next time.”

Unfortunately for Banek, amidst his chaotic day, he loses the crucial power of appointment documentation at the scene of the accident. Now, he faces a daunting deadline set by the judge to retrieve the missing papers. Meanwhile, Gipson grapples with whether to return the documents, especially after the stress of the day’s events pushes him further into turmoil. With his own life hanging in the balance, Banek resorts to underhanded tactics that jeopardize Gipson’s ability to secure a loan necessary for buying a home where he can stay close to his children.

As the story unfolds, both men exhibit a fierce drive for revenge, blurring the lines between right and wrong in their respective pursuits. Banek starts to suspect that his own partners may have ulterior motives, especially concerning the substantial Dunn foundation worth $107 million. He learns through investigation that his partners have been siphoning off a staggering $1.5 million annually from the foundation.

The tension escalates when Gipson pressures Banek to restore his credit before an impending meeting with a banker, threatening to destroy the power of appointment if his demands aren’t met. Although Banek tries to comply, a bankruptcy filing is uncovered during Gipson’s crucial meeting, resulting in a denial of the loan.

Ultimately, Gavin Banek and Doyle Gipson, though initially at odds, experience a transformative journey. Each reflects on the consequences of their actions, leading to newfound respect for ethics. Gavin makes a desperate effort to help Gipson by co-signing his loan application and admits to the court about the fraudulent power of appointment created by him and his partners when Simon Dunn lacked mental clarity.

In a poignant twist, both men extend apologies to one another, and Gipson ultimately decides to return the cherished file. However, it seems the opportunity for both men to achieve their initial goals may have slipped away. In a powerful moment of redemption, Banek confronts his superiors to demand the return of the $3 million wrongfully withdrawn from the Dunn foundation and vows to represent Gipson pro bono. The film concludes on a hopeful note, showing Banek visiting Gipson’s family to explain the situation, while Gipson’s wife and children smile at him from across the street, hinting at a potential reconciliation and a fresh start for all involved.