MOVIE REVIEW: Bethany serves up ‘Wimbledon’ success
British tennis pro Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) is neither terrible nor great – he’s just a mediocre player on the final leg of his mediocare career.
Ranked 119th in the world, Colt plans to retire. Just one match to go: the opening round of England’s Wimbledon tournament, where he squeezed in as a wild card.
Produced by Great Britain’s Working Title Productions – the company responsible for films of similar schematics: “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Notting Hill,” “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” and “Love Actually” – “Wimbeldon” ignores the road less traveled and follows suit by tailgating the convoy of quirky, heartwarming Brit comedies. But somehow, “Wimbledon” produces enough originality – including stunning, visually-keen tennis footage, snappy dialogue and tremendous performances – to keep it fresh.
Colt, with a nothing-to-lose disposition, embarks on the final stretch of his career with a mild mannered complacency. The fire within him has burned out and rekindling that competitive flame doesn’t seem possible. He attempts to just casually float through his last few moments as a pro.
Unfortunately it isn’t that easy.
After meeting Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst) a spunky tennis hotshot with outrageous, John McEnroe-like antics, Colt falls in love and discovers a new zest for life. And un-expectantly, he begins to win.
Not just by miracle shots or capitalizing on an opponent’s under par performance. He begins to dominate. He trounces on over-hyped teen sensations, experienced veterans and even his usually-dead-on practice partner. Colt’s end-of-career rejuvenation begins to rub off, and the entire country (England) unites for the chance of a countryman to snag its titular title.
Bettany shines as the downtrodden, over-the-hill Colt. With his gangly frame and average looks, he doesn’t seem he would be fit to play an athlete or even a romantic lead. Roles in the past have included an orating wordsmith “Knights Tale” an adulterous priest “The Reckoning” and small town philosopher “Dogville.” But Bettany makes it work. His shoulder shrugging Colt, satisfied with passivity comes across as an easy to root for underdog, an every-day-man, compassionate and good natured.
Colt is nothing like his quirky, estranged family, who make for some funny moments. His father (Bernard Hill) lives in a tree house in their backyard and spends his time barbecuing sausages.
His cycleriding, obsese and self-absorbed brother, Carl, (James McAvoy) bets against Peter before every match, but then uses his brother’s new found fame to pick up girls. When asked why he treats his brother this way, Carl responds, “It’s purely tactical. If he loses, I get rich and if he wins, I get laid.”
Also included in the cast, Jon Favreau, “Swingers, Made” Colt’s suddenly interested ex-agent, Sam Neill, “Jurrasic Park” Bradbury’s over protected father; and Chris Everett and Jon McEnroe as themselves.
“Wimbledon” has the formula of an average film, it even feels awfully familiar at times. But, with enough distinct visual images and an outstanding Bettany, this British tennis dramedy scores.
Jack’s Weekly DVD Recommendation:
Walt Disney’s Brother Bear
You’re probably thinking “is he for real.” Well, only to an extent.
In the special features, Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas, (the McKenzie brothers in Strange Brew) who voice the Canadian Moose Brothers do an entire commentary while in character. It’s hilarious, ‘eh. They argue back and forth about animal instincts, animated features and why groundhogs are harbingers of danger. Check it out, ‘eh.
Jack Saunders is a movie reviewer for the Utah Statesman. He is a senior majoring in print journalsim. Comments may be sent to jrsaunders@cc.usu.edu.