Not great, but definitely not bad!

Rating: 7/10 (5 October 2004)

*spoilers* alert
I felt that the film was a step up from your typical airy fairy, not funny, Julia, Sandra or Meg romantic comedy. However, having said that, it still wasn't the best movie i've ever seen. There were the funny moments, and the token dickhead character (Bettany's brother) kept the light laughs flowing. Of course, love prevails at the end. Dunst's overprotective father, Neil, eventually warms to the man he's so sternly told to stay away from his daughter. Funny though, how after she's been knocked out of the competition that he finally pushes her to go for him (oh, and he professes his love for her on national television). Bettany's washed out tennis star character uses love as his inspiration against young pro game heavy weights to beat all odds and win the grand slam. I really enjoyed Bettany's portrayal of the washed out Peter Colt. However, i usually love Dunst's performances, but there was something that she brought to the character that didn't sit right. A certain hardness i suppose, that was unnecessary and an overly forced American accent. I particularly liked the visual effects on Colt when he was playing. I thought they were quite effective and creative, getting us inside his thoughts and emotions. All in all, i thought the film really wasn't bad, and i think i would quite happily watch it again.
3.5 stars out of 5.