Wimbledon, or Your Local Park ? - The Latter Ain't Too Bad

Rating: 6/10 (5 February 2007)

Weak Links/Strong Links
 Dennis Bradbury (Sam Neil) is not only a weak father, but profiling him, he is just one big pain in the *ss and it's too tedious to see him play it out on screen; he brings the whole film down; what father like that is even credible?  Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst) Wimbledon tennis competitor blames her new tennis love Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) for her losing her recent match because he persuaded her to have sex with him the night before. Ehhh  wrong answer Lizzie. Why would you agree to that crummy character trait Kirsten? Lizzie's little tantrum is void by common law; it takes two to tango. She's at least 50% to blame. She didn't complain about his love making. Plus, it was very romantic and Shakespearean of Peter to climb up to her bedroom window, just to be close to her.  Peter never tells Lizzie that he is risking seeing her, against her father's wishes. He should let her know of his pursuits regardless. She needs to know his tenacious heroism.  Peter/Paul  what's up with your goofy tennis playing? Wimbledon or the local park? It's doesn't do justice to Wimbledon or this story-line. That two handed back hand was too much  silliness. Do actors ever review, edit, or proof-view their films? Would you really o.k. that? Anywhoserville, you starred in this film. That says something about something. Finally  Strong Links  Peter's apology scene was almost surreal sweet. It was strangely romantic.  This story and cinematography meant well, despite surrounding underutilized or underdeveloped characters  Peter may not have been a pro, but he had a nice sense of consistent focus and energy, both in tennis and courtship. Very nice, smooth, reasonable, controlled but still very natural, playful (in courtship)  more is even better. Way to go.  Peter really wanted to court Lizzie in a romantic sweetheart traditional sense that all to easily gets lost, neglected, ignored or forgotten in today's dating world. But in this film all of these good intentions were established, particularly by Peter. Kudos to you Mr. Bettany. Despite a not even fair script, your acting still captivated our attention. It is one of your consistent attributes in acting, which I have seen. Thank you.  Kirsten? I think that you do really well with Toby McGuire. I would stick with what works woman. It wasn't the most complimentary role for you, but mean old Sam/Dennis certainly didn't help your character any. Don't we all have some mean old Sam/Dennis in our lives. I know. It's the pits.