At our work on cars days I have changed a lot of filters. I bring a 2' breaker bar because sometimes one is screwed on very tight.
http://www.renntech.org/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=20&cat=31
If you can get the cannister off you can still change the filter. The only oil that will come out is the oil in the cannister. In fact, when I do an oil and filter change I replace the filter first and then drain the oil.