From the producers of Bridget Jones’ Diary, Love Actually, Johnny English and Shaun of the Dead, comes the new romantic comedy Wimbledon. So it’s not surprising the movie comes off like Bridget Jones on espn.
Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) is the least likely candidate to win Wimbledon. Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst) is America’s John McEnroe or a prissy white Serena Williams. Before the two meet, Peter scoring love both on and off the court, but golden girl Lizzie Bradbury gives Peter his game back, professionally and personally. It sounds like a typical “boy meets girl-boy falls in love with girl-they separate-they get back together-world turns around again” plot, and it is. The dialogue is predictable with only a few glimpses of wit and the movie is full of embarrassing weak moments such as Bettany’s character talking to a dog. And yes, there isn’t any extremely well constructed plot or those twists and copious sex audiences are fond of. Despite its shortcomings, though, this is not a movie to be passed up so quickly either. Those expecting that typical movie won’t be disappointed, but for those of you cringing at wasting money on just another chick flick may be pleasantly surprised.
You can’t help but cheer along for the loser Peter Colt. Especially one looking like Paul Bettany, as he truly brings the character to life. A scene stealer in A Knight’s Tale, A Beautiful Mind and Master and Commander, he adds one more to his stable of lovable loser guys who you just can’t help but fall in love with.
Kirsten on the other hand lacks the seductive quality a slightly older woman would have provided. You find yourself thinking perhaps the love between Colt and Bradbury is more of a brotherly love than a passionate one-Dunst comes across as more of an innocent child instead of a raunchy, straightforward American vixen.
If anything, the movie is saved by the amazing court play. Even those of you who aren’t fans of the sport, you’ll find yourself biting nails and inhaling sharply whenever Bettany’s character misses a shot.
Even with its glaring faults, Wimbledon provides not only that subtle humor the British are so good at, but also a sports movie everyone can enjoy. Wimbledon definitely does not score “love.”