Another sports-as-metaphor comedy from writer-director Ron Shelton, whose previous, all-too-similar efforts (Bull Durham, White Men Can't Jump, Tin Cup) struck a harmonic chord between testosterone and romance, Play It to the Bone is pretty much an airball. Woody Harrelson and Antonio Banderas star as antagonistic best friends and washed-up middleweights, driving to Vegas with sassy, straight-talkin' Lolita Davidovich for one last chance at glory, fighting on a Mike Tyson undercard. With nothing new to say on the subjects of sports and sexual politics, this boxing/road movie romp lacks the spunk and spirit of Shelton's better, earlier efforts in this highly specialized genre. Not recommended. (R. Blackwelder) [Blu-ray/DVD Review—May 1, 2018—Kino Lorber, 124 min., R, DVD: $11.95, Blu-ray: $19.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and Blu-ray, 1999’s Play It to the Bone features a fine transfer with a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by director Ron Shelton. Bottom line: this forgettable film inexplicably makes its second appearance on Blu-ray.]
Play It to the Bone
Touchstone, 125 min., R, VHS: $103.99, DVD: $32.99, June 13 Vol. 15, Issue 3
Play It to the Bone
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