Wimbledon, Working Title Film's new romantic comedy, is a charming love story. The movie follows retiring tennis player, Peter Colt, played by Paul Bettany (Master and Commander and A Beautiful Mind), as he lands a wild card berth, allowing him to play in Wimbledon. There he meets rising tennis star, Lizzie Bradbury, played by Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man), and a romance ensues with the pair's involvement in the championship providing a backdrop.
Conflict is introduced in the form of Dunst's father, played by Sam Neil (Jurassic Park), who discourages Dunst from getting involved in a relationship as her tennis career is getting off the ground. Conversely, Bettany struggles with a lack of support from his own family.
With his adorable English accent, Bettany is both easy on the eyes and talented and Dunst serves up yet another wonderful performance (pun intended).
Jon Favreau (Something's Gotta Give) is memorable as the money-hungry agent, Ron Roth, who represents both Dunst and Bettany, making him wave both the stars and stripes and the union jack at matches.
Bernard Hill (Lord of the Rings) and Eleanor Bron (Iris) are fantastic as Bettany's quarreling parents, who are loveable in their eccentricity and lend some humanity to the film.
James McAvoy (Bright Young Things) is hilarious as Bettany's "wanker" brother, Carl Colt, who uses his brother's game to his advantage whether it be betting against him or inviting some fans to view Bettany's apartment.
Dunst and Bettany have wonderful chemistry from their first encounter when a mix-up with hotel room keys causes Bettany's character to walk in on Dunst taking a shower. In a shining example of the movie's wit, he leaves the room saying, "Goodbye and may I say good body. I mean..."
The movie develops their relationship with humor and sentiment, beginning with their fish-and-chips date that quickly evolves into a tumble in bed because as Dunst says, "A little fooling around can be good for your game" and ending with a full-fledged romance with the necessary elements of star-gazing, climbing into bedroom windows, and incredible lip-locks.
There was a great effort to make Wimbledon as accurate and realistic as possible. Actors underwent four months of training to learn how to look like tennis pros. Australian Pat Cash, 1987 Wimbledon champ, was a tennis consultant for the film. Therefore, the production crew was granted access by The All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to film during the 2003 championships.
In addition, Wimbledon champs John McEnroe and Chris Evert and commentator Mary Carillo appear as themselves, lending a feel of authenticity. McEnroe especially helps to bring the matches to life through his entertaining commentary. Referee Alan Mills also has a cameo and real ball boys and girls appear in the film.
Director Richard Loncraine (Richard III) was a surprising choice considering his dramatic background, but he brings the romance to life, achieving both the humor and the magic required to make such predictable romantic comedies enjoyable.
Somehow Loncraine is able to keep tennis an integral part of the story so that the movie has a Mighty Ducks-like element of the audience cheering on Bettany's character and becoming engaged in his games.
Whenever the announcer said, "Ladies and gentlemen, quiet please," there wasn't even a rustle or a cough in the theater as the audience waited in anticipation.
The action-packed match sequences are enhanced by a great soundtrack and powerful use of a variety of camera shots and angles. Who knew tennis could be so exciting? "And I don't even like tennis," as one of the extras tells Bettany.
There are undeniably corny parts, but overall, the film is funny and heartwarming?a delightful guilty pleasure. Final score: Wimbledon: Game. This reviewer: Love.