Better than most

Rating: 8/10 (28 May 2005)

Lessee. The script is good. The characters are likable (all of 'em). The idea of #119 winning Wimbledon is a bit far fetched, but unseeded players have done well before. And the actual tennis shots are surprisingly believable. (Well, most of 'em are, anyway.)
American phenom/hothead Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst) is coached by her dad (Sam Neill) and playing in her first Wimbledon. She has much to teach fading English star Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) on and off the tennis court. The cast, including a rich group of supporting actors playing characters you care about, is first rate.
Whether this is viewed as a sports flick or a romantic comedy, it's better than most. Three cheers. (And 7.5 stars.)