|
| Wimbledon |
|
  (8/10)
|
Runtime: 100 |
| Public Rating: 8.29 (130 votes) |
Director: Richard Loncraine |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: Comedy, Romance |
Year: 2004 |
| Writer(s): Adam Brooks, Jennifer Flackett, and Mark Levin |
| Distributor: Universal Pictures |
| Reviewed by: Nate Anderson |
| |
Starring: Paul Bettany, Kirsten Dunst, Sam Neill, Jon Favreau, And Bernard Hill
"Hit this one, and I'll sleep with you."
[Peter accidently hits a judge]
"Too bad...you could've used the workout."
Wimbledon is a wonderful concotion, containing great dialogue and some genuine chemistry between the stars. Of course, we know how the film is going to wind up, but the fun is seeing how they get there, right?
Paul Bettany plays Peter Colt, a down-on-his-luck English Tennis pro, who in his best, placed 11th at Wimbledon. He is returning for what is looking to be his last tournament. He is currently ranked at 115. Even his brother is betting against him.
But then he meets Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst), the new hot American player attracting attention at her first Wimbledon match. In fact, he accidently walks into her hotel room while she's taking a shower. She doesn't mind and even flashes him.
From there begins playful flirting that grows into love between the two. The more that Peter falls for Lizzie, the better he plays. Apparently, Tennis players (and perhaps Atheletes in general) are a superstitious kind. If they hit a streak, they don't change a thing, for fear of throwing themselves off again. One player even says that he goes to the bathroom exactly the same way everytime. Peter doesn't react with disgust, but rather wonders why he hadn't thought of that.
There is a kink in Peter and Lizzie's romance, in the form of Lizzie's father, Dennis (Sam Neill) who like all sports parents, wants to see their kids win. In a refreshing turn though, he is not portrayed as a simple one-dimensional obstacle in their relationship, but genuinely feels he's acting in her best interests.
There is, of course, the villian. And in this case, it's another hot shot American tennis player, Jake Hammond (Austin Nichols), who is not accustomed to losing. We realize that it's only a matter of time before he and Peter face off in an epic length climactic tennis match.
Director Richard Loncraine gives the film plenty of style, from the great opening credits, to the tennis matches where he's unafraid to get up close and personal and really make them exciting. The little flourishes really help the movie feel unique.
Overall, Wimbledon is a entertaining and fun film that is a joy to watch. Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst have wonderful chemistry and both turn in great performances. Definately recommended.
|
 Printable Version
|
Do you agree/disagree with this review of Wimbledon? Let your opinions be heard in our forum.
|
Buy the Poster of Wimbledon (Click Here)
|
|
|
|
