Wimbledon

The strength of "Wimbledon" was in two areas: (1) the good chemistry between the lead performers Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany and (2) the lively tennis action sequences staged on the famed Wimbledon tennis courts in London.

The romantic scenes between the two tennis players, Peter and Lizzie, as performed by Dunst and Bettany, were touching and sincere. From their accidental first meeting in a hotel through the development of their relationship on and off the tennis courts, the scenes were heart-warming and filmed in unusual and attractive locations around London. My favorite sequence was in Peter's attempt to play "Romeo" and climb up the vines into the bedchamber of Lizzie. It was impressive as well that both Dunst and Bettany sported good athleticism in their highly convincing tennis scenes.

My only criticism of the film was in the screenplay. A number of the characters, including a hyperactive agent and a worried parent-manager, seemed extraneous to the main action. The narrative was padded and would have benefited from a stronger subplot. But in the portrayal of the principal relationship of the two young tennis players, "Wimbledon" offered a delightful and winning combination!