# Play It to the Bone (1999)

### reviewed by
Ross Anthony

    An Empty Box
    Play It to the Bone

    By Ross Anthony

There is little of interest in the first third of this film beyond pretentiously quirky characters spewing meant-to-be-cute retorts at cliché beats, devoid of punch.

Then comes Antonio Banderas' monologue. He intimately relives a scarring fight experience at the garden. It's "Bone's" breath of life. From there, the beat becomes more personal, the retorts more endearing, a few even evoke deep laughter from this previously antsy viewer.

Used-to-be's, Banderas and Harrelson, now boxing buddies (who supposedly have never fought each other) stumble across an opportunity to clear their good names -- and of course, win a title shot. Lolita Davidovich plays the domineering ex-girl who routes for them both.

The film crowns during the fight scene (big match between Woody and Antonio) as many a star make a ringside cameos. This lengthy sequence is so passionately directed and photographed, that it seems the rest of the film is merely a convenient frame for its display.

I use the word "crown" instead of climax, because the picture never quite pops. The writers seem to have gone out of their way to create a film with absolutely no payoff. Perhaps it's some kind of inside joke that I don't get.

Play It to the Bone. Copyright © 1999. Rated R. Starring Antonio Banderas, Woody Harrelson, Lolita Davidovich, Lucy Liu, Robert Wagner. Written and Directed by Ron Shelton. Produced by Stephen Chin at Shanghai'd/Play It. Distrubted by Buena Vista.

Grade..........................B

-- Copyright © 1999 Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: http://RossAnthony.com

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