Watch Wimbledon

Wimbledon is a 2004 romantic comedy film directed by Richard Loncraine and starring Kirsten Dunst, Paul Bettany, and Jon Favreau. The movie tells the story of a struggling tennis player named Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) who is given a wildcard entry to the Wimbledon tennis championships, despite being ranked 119th in the world. After a string of early defeats, Colt decides to retire from tennis and considers taking up a coaching role. However, his plans are thrown into disarray when he meets American tennis star Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst) and they embark on a love affair during the tournament.

The film opens with Colt narrating the story of his life, which has been characterized by a series of disappointments and unfulfilled potential. As he prepares to play in what he knows will be his final Wimbledon tournament, Colt meets Bradbury, a young and ambitious tennis player with a fierce competitive streak. Despite their different personalities and backgrounds, Colt and Bradbury develop a strong attraction for each other, and their romance becomes the central focus of the film.

As the tournament progresses, Colt finds himself playing some of the best tennis of his career, buoyed by his newfound love for Bradbury. However, their relationship is threatened by a number of factors, including the media circus surrounding their liaison, the presence of Bradbury's overbearing father (played by Jon Favreau), and the growing realization that their career aspirations may ultimately come into conflict.

Throughout the film, Loncraine deftly balances the comedic elements of the plot with more serious themes, such as the pressure faced by professional athletes and the sacrifices required to achieve success in any field. Bettany and Dunst give charming and charismatic performances, and their on-screen chemistry is palpable.

One of the standout features of Wimbledon is the attention paid to the technical details of tennis. Loncraine goes to great lengths to ensure that the matches and training sequences feel authentic, and the tennis scenes are shot with an impressive level of skill and precision. The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Sam Neill as a wily tennis veteran and Bernard Hill as Colt's gruff and no-nonsense coach.

Overall, Wimbledon is a delightful romantic comedy that has something to offer both sports fans and those looking for a heartwarming love story. The film takes a familiar formula and infuses it with a freshness and honesty that make it stand out from other sports movies. With its charming leads, snappy dialogue, and touching themes, Wimbledon is a definite must-see for fans of romantic comedies and tennis alike.

Wimbledon is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 59.