The story is set in motion when a successful immigration lawyer named Mac (Kevin Kline) finds himself at the mercy of potential muggers when his car breaks down in a bad part of town. The muggers are talked out of victimizing Mac by Simon (Danny Glover), a tow-truck driver who arrives in time to save Mac's life. Mac sets out to befriend Simon, despite the fact that they have nothing in common. Mac seems unaware that his desire to befriend Simon is actually a form of mid-life crisis, mixed with racial guilt that he is well-off while Simon is struggling financially.