Bettany Thrives and Kirsten Dives

Rating: 7/10 (11 October 2004)

Wimbledon certainly doesn't offer anything new as far as romance comedies go, but it does shine under the talent of its main character, Peter Colt (Paul Bettany). Bettany brings a charm and likability that I expected to get from Kirsten Dunst in this film. Instead, I was pleasantly entertained by this wonderful actor. Dunst, on the other hand, seemed unnaturally childish in her role as Lizzie.
Tennis rarely makes its way into the field of sports movie genres, but it seemed like the perfect sport to serve as a backdrop for this cute comedy. Rescued by the talent and magnetism of Bettany, Wimbledon reminds us that Hugh Grant isn't the only British actor who Americans should watch.