"Wimbledon" (2004)

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Directed By: Richard Loncraine

Written By: Adam Brooks, Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin

Released: September 17^th, 2004

Runtime: 98 minutes

Studio: Universal Pictures

Summary:

Frustrated at his own failures and disillusioned with professional sports, tennis player Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) resolves to retire from competition and become an instructor at an exclusive private club. But when Colt receives a surprise wild-card berth in Wimbledon, he can't help but enter the tournament. Soon, Colt meets Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst), a beautiful American tennis player with an upcoming match of her own, and finds the inspiration he hopes will turn his luck around.

Review:

This is a really sweet natured film. I would say it’s pretty hard to go wrong with it. A sweet romance, some funny moments to make you smile, a warm plot with heart. If rom-coms are your thing then this is one worth adding to the list.

Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany work very well together in their leading roles. Much of the movie is focused on Wimbledon itself so there’s not too much cutesy-romance thrown at you, but those, like me, not quite as into the sport can still find enjoyment in the characters’ hapless ups and downs. In my honest opinion James McAvoy, though his role is very small, steals the show in every scene he’s in. Comedy is something he hasn’t done a lot of but when he does he does it without fault.

It would be fair to say the film does throw a few clichés in our direction but it’s all in good nature and the script has enough originality in my opinion to forgive these. This is a film that can go so easily over your head which is a shame because it is an enjoyable watch. If you enjoy films like “Notting Hill”, “Love Actually” or “Jerry Maguire” this will not disappoint!

TRAILER: