RICHARD LONCRAINE
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BB.5.
United Kingdom/France, 2004. Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Working Title Films, Inside Track Films, Firstep Productions. Screenplay by Adam Brooks, Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin. Cinematography by Darius Khondji. Produced by Tim Bevan, Liza Chasin, Eric Fellner, Mary Richards. Music by John Colby, Ed Shearmur. Production Design by Brian Morris. Costume Design by Louise Stjernsward. Film Editing by Humphrey Dixon.
Unremarkable but enjoyable romantic comedy starring a winsome Paul Bettany as an aging (by sports-world standards) tennis pro who is playing the Wimbledon tournament for the last time. After meeting an up-and-coming American player with a serious attitude problem (Kirsten Dunst) and falling in love with her, Bettany’s game suddenly improves and he finds himself vying for the big prize. Now a national hero who has inspired his parents to fix their own marriage, Bettany has to face further obstacles when Dunst is in a clinch to choose between him and her career. Sunny cinematography and cute situations make it pleasant, but the serious lack of chemistry between Bettany and Dunst, who gives a completely unmotivated performance, keep it from really ringing out loud.
