As a film enthusiast with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of hits and misses. Some films, despite their initial failure at the box office, have managed to grow on me over time, and “Play It to the Bone” is one such movie.
Renowned for his sports movies like “White Men Can’t Jump” and “Bull Durham”, director-screenwriter Ron Shelton consistently demonstrates his knack for crafting successful sports films. However, when his movie “Play It to the Bone”, released in 1999, hit theatres, it was a complete box office bomb, despite boasting an impressive cast of well-known actors. Critics gave it a thumbs down, audiences were disappointed, and the film failed to recoup its $24 million budget. In essence, it was a failure across the board. Currently, it has a dismal 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
25 years later, it could be worthwhile to re-examine this movie. It’s not entirely negative – it presents the tale of two aging boxers: Vince Boudreau (portrayed by Woody Harrelson) and Cesar Dominguez (Antonio Banderas). When a prospective bout emerges for these longtime pals to engage in one final match, they eagerly seize the moment. The unexpected aspect is that this battle is against each other. Much of what unfolds isn’t centered around the fight itself, but rather the boxing world and the bond between the main characters.
Blending Boxing with a Riveting Road Trip
Play It to the Bone isn’t solely about boxing; it’s also a journey movie. A significant portion of the storyline revolves around Vince and Cesar not being able to afford flights from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, so they opt to drive instead. This road trip is facilitated by their mutual friend Grace (Lolita Davidovich), who serves as both a driver and romantic interest for the two boxers. As they travel, events from the trio’s past lives are revisited and explored. However, Shelton makes sure that these past events don’t overshadow the looming boxing match that is approaching.
The movie showcases an impressive ensemble cast, including Woody Harrelson, Antonio Banderas, Lolita Davidovich, Lucy Liu, Robert Wagner, Kevin Costner, Tom Sizemore, Mike Tyson, James Woods, Drew Carey, Jennifer Tilly, George Foreman, Wesley Snipes, Rod Stewart, Tony Curtis, and many others.
As I sat down to watch this movie, I found myself deeply engrossed in the heartwarming dynamics between the three principal characters, particularly the bond shared by Vince and Cesar. The script, penned by Shelton, skillfully paints each character with depth and substance, making it effortless for us viewers to connect emotionally.
Powerful Performances and Familiar Faces
Despite some criticism suggesting that the film Play It to the Byte lacks authenticity in depicting the boxing world, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the performances by Woody Harrelson, Antonio Banderas, and Debra Davidovich are exceptional. There seems to be a palpable camaraderie between these actors, elevating their portrayals. The characters they play appear genuine, and their interpersonal relationships ring true.
Furthermore, the movie “Play It to the Bone” boasts numerous guest appearances, particularly during the final boxing match sequence. Spectators around the ring are portrayed by a diverse array of recognizable figures, including Kevin Costner and Tony Curtis. Rod Stewart makes an appearance at one instance in character as himself, while Mike Tyson also shows up. The cast is further enriched with Robert Wagner playing Hank and Lucy Liu as Lia. This movie serves as a fun, star-studded treat for those who enjoy spotting big names in minor roles.
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2024-12-21 00:01