If you're crazy about tennis – the bap of the ball, the squeak of expensive sneakers, the serves, the grunts – you'll love "Wimbledon." The problem is it's supposed to be about the kind of love you find off the court.
Paul Bettany, the hottie from "Master and Commander," stars as Peter Colt, a British tennis player on the way down who has made it to the prestigious Wimbledon tournament this time purely by a wild-card draw.
Kirsten Dunst ("Spiderman") is American tennis star Lizzie Bradbury, on the way up.
Think "A Star is Born" for hard-bodied athletes.
They trade volleys and sexual innuendo, followed around by Lizzie's dad-slash-coach, played by Sam Neill, who's sure this romance will ruin his daughter's career.
Turns out the relationship flicks Peter's star switch back on – by the end of the tournament he's poised for victory.
Working Title Films, the folks who gave us "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Bridget Jones's Diary," produced this film. It's being lauded for its intense tennis footage – of great interest and excitement if you're a lover of the game.
But it's also being criticized for lacking the chemistry that makes a great romantic comedy – like "Bridget Jones" – work. Peter comes off as dull but well-intentioned, and Lizzie is rude and crude, a spoiled brat.
You might go see "Wimbledon" for the romance, but you'll stay if you're the type who lives for fast-paced sports on the big screen. Hey, does that mean this is a chick flick you can take your guy to?
Running time: 98 minutes.
Rated PG-13 (for language, sexuality and partial nudity).
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