Bettany and Dunst Well Matched.

Rating: 8/10 (5 November 2015)

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