“Sometimes God just likes to put two guys in a paper gag and let them go at it.” This line of dialogue perhaps sums up everything “Changing Lanes” (Paramount, R) is about and then some. Top-notch suspense teamed with overwhelmingly moving drama makes this one of the best films that will be shown in theaters this year.

“Changing Lanes” is the story of two men. Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck) is a young Wall Street lawyer trying to make partner at his law firm. Doyle Gibson (Samuel L. Jackson) is a reformed alcoholic trying to make amends with his wife and children.

This is a very important day for both men. Doyle is headed to a hearing to prove to his wife that he’s competent enough to share custody of their children. Gavin is scheduled to try a case that, with a winning verdict, would assure him a spot as partner in the law firm.

The two men share a small, almost harmless traffic accident. Instead of handling it properly as Doyle wants to, Gavin splits and leaves him on the side of the road with a blank check, no ride to his hearing and a snotty “better luck next time.” Doyle then misses his hearing and Gavin discovers that he accidentally gave Doyle some documents that could make or break his career. Gavin frantically tries to get the documents back, but Doyle blames Gavin for his ruined life and won’t give them up.

This film is more than the typical cat-and-mouse chase that the advertisements show it to be. At its heart, it shows how we as people can act when pushed too far, as well as the horrendous things human beings are capable of doing to each other when they have nothing to lose.

Director Roger Michell paints a picture of chaos, then rotates it 180 degrees to show us overwhelming warmth and love for human emotion. Michell is a risk taker and should be applauded for avoiding the typical cliched mess that “Changing Lanes” could’ve become.

One of the first shots in the film is that of the New York City skyline with the World Trade Center towers standing tall. Sure, Michell could’ve had these shots removed as other filmmakers have done, such as those involved with the upcoming “Spider-Man.” But he leaves the shot alone as if he wants the audience to know from the start that this film will not shy away from reality. So many films are saying forget it, while “Changing Lanes” says, remember this?

Rookie screenwriter Chap Taylor works with veteran screenwriter Michael Tolkin to make “Changing Lanes” one of the best-written films in recent years. The best thing about the film’s characters is the way the writers have the audience sympathizing with both men. They make it so hard to root for or against either of them. Then, religious metaphors are strategically placed throughout the film to keep the characters from going too far.

In a time when terrorism, Middle Eastern warfare and sexual misconduct are tainting the images of all types of religion, along comes “Changing Lanes” to show the world that faith and human kindness can bring people together.

Ben Affleck needed this movie. He finally has proved to all of his critics that he is a talented actor. Just when we think that Affleck is playing a typical snobby lawyer, he shows such sensitivity that can’t help but make the audience sympathize with him. He and Samuel L. Jackson carry this film on their shoulders with their amazing, flawless performances.

“Changing Lanes” flirts with the idea that if we do more good than harm throughout the day, then we’re moral people. Well, this film does all good and no harm.