Awesome Movie

A lot of fun.

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

"Wimbledon" is a charming little rom-com that relies more on the actual sport than it does on the romance; maybe that wasn't a bad thing, as the sport of tennis and the grandeur of the Wimbledon grand slam tournament get thrust into the limelight and received some extra exposure via Hollywood. Paul Bettany shows off some super acting talent playing the roll of a posh pro tennis player who is coming towards the end of his career and has dropped to 119 in the world rankings.On the other end of the spectrum we have Kirsten Dunst who's character is just starting out in her career, a girl with big ambitions who has already set her sights on winning Wimbledon, with help from her overbearing father who also manages her career. Sadly the two young leads don't particularly share a vast amount of on screen chemistry and watching them share the screen together felt a little awkward, in a romance film the couple have to appear to really be in love with each other and the viewer shouldn't have to suspend their belief, sadly in "Wimbledon" this wasn't the case. The vast majority of supporting characters seemed to be critically misplaced, none more so than the cameo appearance by British sitcom star, Robert Lindsey, for the life of me I cannot understand why he was cast in this film. The one stand out supporting star was Pete's (Paul Bettany) younger brother Carl, played by a young James McAvoy, his on-screen time was minimal but he added some much needed comic relief, such as the scenes in the bookies when he insists on always betting against his brother in his matches. Not a great film by any means but completely inoffensive nevertheless, a decent enough film to watch if you're bored and happen to come across it on TV, Netflix etc

Wimbledon (2004): Dir: Richard Loncraine / Cast: Paul Bettany, Kirsten Dunst, Sam Neill, Jon Favreau, Austin Nichols: Striking film about victory and achievement both in sport and in relationships. It stars Paul Bettany as a tennis player who once ranked 11th in the world but now reduced to 119. Now he intends to retire whether he wins or loses. A chance meeting with a female tennis player played by Kirsten Dunst sparks a romance that her father and manager forbids. Excellent setup establishes a love for tennis as well as certain tension. It becomes repetitious after each game and romantic encounter. The inclusion of Bettany's parents is also not necessary but director Richard Loncraine translates the game footage well with great camera work. Bettany is flawless as he makes upset victory after upset victory all the while never making it quite certain for viewers. Dunst completes the equation as a female player trying to maintain focused. Sam Neill as her father is too wooden, and Jon Favreau as the manager is equally cardboard. They both play more out of convenience than purpose. Austin Nichols plays the arrogant jerk American player up against Bettany, and even that is a weak character. While the narrative is somewhat conventional it does deliver a fascinating study of tennis that is surprisingly filled with tension while showing us what is truly important in life. Score: 8 / 10

Before I traduce this film, ~ I have to point out how much I admire the cast of great actors. Betany gives a flawless performance, as usual, but is working with an awfully outdated attack on the class system, which Mr. Allen has no real conception of being one of the elite and not a native of the British Isles. The premise of a society riven, and divided by class runs along clankingly throughout. After the killings in the film, it meanders on aimlessly until, trying to seek some resolution, Allen comes up with: horror of horrors the corpses of the dead materialise like some Homeric decent into the underworld. Maybe Allen might have succeeded had he followed Homer's lead and made Betany descend like a mystic elevator into Hades, but no. Sadly the dead materialise in the Kitchen illuminated by the open fridge.The wait for this resolution was not worthwhile, and to save myself embarrassment I had had to leave the cinema.Has Woody Allen lost the plot? Yes, and for some time.

Wimbledon is a sweet, unpretentious, high flying, romantic comedy. The humor is intellectual, with interesting British dialogs without slangs or complications, and full of funny expressions.Paul Bettany has a number of subtle facial/body expression that are just the right spice for the tone of the movie. Although I always find it difficult to accept Kristen Dunst has playing a star, she's more suited as an athletic star and perfect as Paul Bettany's opposite, bringing spunk like she can easily do.The setting of the movie is quite interesting, and the shots beautiful. More over, the story has a full figure, and is peppered with interesting details. You can feel the English fever for Wimbledon, and the soundtrack is quite appropriate.Only a few things mar this beauty. First, most court commentators sound like their reading their script, especially McEnroe and Evert. Second, the tennis itself, while well edited, shows flaws from time to time.That being said, it is my favorite romantic comedy because it has everything and does it all right just like I want it.A must see.