A Double Fault in Tennis and Romance

Rating: 5/10 (10 October 2004)

Wimbledon is a romantic sports movie that double faults on both counts. Not only does it serve up very little tennis, but it is also weak romantically.
The film tracks two tennis pros on very different arcs. Rising American star Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst) is playing in her first Wimbledon Championship while English vet Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) may be playing in his last. Along the way both players find they may love something more than tennis.
PLOT PROBLEMS: Wimbledon's biggest fault lies in its inability to stay within its plot lines. One would expect a film running just 100 minutes to be tightly focused on Bradbury and Colt Instead precious minutes are wasted on distracting subplots involving Colt's parents and brother.
POOR PREMISE: And the basic plot premise is questionable. Given the youth in women's tennis, would a first-time Wimbledon player, probably in her mid to late teens, be attracted to a 31-year-old, who, like in teen years, is like 100?
TENNIS TROUBLES: The film is also misses the mark tenniswise. If you'd expecting an inside look at the pro game, you'll be disappointed. Unlike Blue Crush (2002) which showcased pro women's surfing, tennis and Wimbledon are mere props for a generic love story that could easily have been about two accountants in an office building. Much of the action takes place outside The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and the usual celebrity cameos are virtually non-existent. Sadly even Mr. 3000 had more behind the scenes action than this movie.
And the tennis itself has a fake feel. It is heavily laden with special effects reminiscent of Matrix 'bullet time' and annoying in your head voiceovers, ala For the Love of the Game (1999).
Sadly (MINOR SPOILER) the best match is a charming game of 'air tennis' between Bettany and Dunst.
SUMMARY: The movie's final fault lies in trying to be too nice, which makes for a lack of drama. There are really no villains here and no real great challenges for our actors to overcome, making for a politically correct but rather dull movie.