Friends become rivals in Play it to the Bone

BY BRANDY BENSON

From acclaimed writer/director Ron Shelton, Woody Harrelson and Antonio Banderas star as best friends and professional boxing rivals Vince Boudreau and Cesar Dominguez, respectively, both of whom haven't worked in years.

Although they are best friends, boxers Vince Boudreau (Woody Harrelson, left) and Cesar Dominguez (Antonio Banderas, right) spar for real over Grace Pasic (Lolita Davidovich) in a scene from Play it to the Bone.

Finally, from out of the blue, they get the chance of a lifetime: an assignment to work together in Vegas. The job promises big money, but there's a hitch: they have to be there now. They quickly hit the road with Grace Pasic (Lolita Davidovich) at the wheel, embarking on a circuitous route through the sizzling desert.

Sparks fly as the competitive Vince and Cesar antagonize each other into a frenzy matched only by Grace's own combative temper. The going gets rougher when they pick up sultry hitchhiker Lia (Lucy Liu), whose presence throws the trio into further upheaval. A contentious race ensues as Vince and Cesar scramble to make it to Vegas for their big showdown.

Finally in the ring, Vince and Cesar regress to their primal instincts and are ready for war. Well matched, both are transformed into ruthless, desperate men, ready to kill each other to salvage their own careers. Blow after blow each man recovers numerous times from near defeat to turn the fight around. The bout continues to the final bell, and the two men stagger from battle -- battered and bruised -- and into each other's arms.

Touchstone Pictures presents, in association with Shanghai'd Films, a Ron Shelton film, Play It To The Bone. Written and directed by Ron Shelton, the film is produced by Stephen Chin. The executive producer is David Lester. The film is distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

Play It To The Bone, Rated R, opens nationwide on Friday, Jan. 14.