The suave, irresistible Joe (Bruce Willis) and his hypochondriac partner Terry (Billy Bob Thornton) have escaped from prison. Cutting a swath from Oregon through California, these fugitives rob banks in order to finance their scheme for a new - and somewhat legitimate - life south of the Border. In their wake, they leave a trail of chaos, disguises, wrecked automobiles - and an adoring public. Their operation is running smoothly until an unexpected run-in with Kate (Cate Blanchett), who is drawn to the thieves as a way to escape her ordinary life.