Love means nothing in tennis. Love means zero score. But who would ever thought there was another kind of love in this sport?
Paul Bettany stars as an outgoing British professional player, Peter Colt, on his last wimbledon tournament when suddenly love finds him on the court. He meets an american tennis sensation Lizzie Bradbury (played by Kirsten Dunst) and she had a penchant for Colt. A romance ensued much to the dismay of Lizzie's dad who made known his disapproval of her daughter's digressions.
Whenever they both have a night together, Colt unexpectedly wins much to the delight of the media. They were not focusing on Colt as he is on his way out, but his string of wins made him a darling of the press again. Meanwhile Lizzie's game falters and was booted out of the competition.
This loss struck a chord between Lizzie and Colt that they broke up. Colt was still playing in the tournament finals against another american sensation. Expectedly Colt was still reeling from the effects of his breakup that it clearly showed in his game. Colt was clearly losing, until Lizzie showed up and showed Colt how to win over his opponent.
Eventually Colt wins the Wimbledon Cup and is now a national hero, he then marries Lizzie and although not shown in the movie, Lizzie wins the US Open and Wimbledon twice.
This was our first time seeing Paul Bettany in the movies and what a smashing (no pun intended) serve it was. His acting was really great as a professional tennis player and we never doubted that he wasn't. Although we have seen a behind the scenes coverage of the film, the ball was CGI but their smashes, serves, lobs weren't so I give credit to the actors especially to Paul. Kirsten Dunst wasn't left behind either as she delivered her role perfectly and they do look good together.
We also loved James McAvoy here as Paul's brother who bets on his opponents always (almost). His character can be omitted without damaging the story line but he was a great icebreaker to some of the scenes herein. Jon Favreau (of Marvel fame) was also here as Paul's agent and he provided also comedic relief to a romance drama comedy theme of the movie. Seriousness was best delivered by Sam Neill as Kirsten's father here and he is great as the super protective dad.
To add more credibility to the film, we can see real professional tennis players here and they are a lot. I counted 11 of them, most of them acting as commentators and some were players who fought against Paul and Kristen's characters.
Another plus to watch this is its wonderfully written and the story telling is light and very detailed as per our view. Even the narration was well placed, especially those in when Colt is speaking with his mind. It's cute and goes a long way in pushing the film higher in our entertainment level.
To be deep, this film shows a man's inferiority amidst a tennis tournament full of ambitious, young and passionate athletes. Of how he overcame using his focus and determination over age and enthusiasm.
So if you are a tennis fan, you will surely love this film. For those who love romance ala romeo and juliet, then get blown by their love story here. For the full movie being shown on YouTube, click on the thumbnail below.
Paul Bettany stars as an outgoing British professional player, Peter Colt, on his last wimbledon tournament when suddenly love finds him on the court. He meets an american tennis sensation Lizzie Bradbury (played by Kirsten Dunst) and she had a penchant for Colt. A romance ensued much to the dismay of Lizzie's dad who made known his disapproval of her daughter's digressions.
Whenever they both have a night together, Colt unexpectedly wins much to the delight of the media. They were not focusing on Colt as he is on his way out, but his string of wins made him a darling of the press again. Meanwhile Lizzie's game falters and was booted out of the competition.
This loss struck a chord between Lizzie and Colt that they broke up. Colt was still playing in the tournament finals against another american sensation. Expectedly Colt was still reeling from the effects of his breakup that it clearly showed in his game. Colt was clearly losing, until Lizzie showed up and showed Colt how to win over his opponent.
Eventually Colt wins the Wimbledon Cup and is now a national hero, he then marries Lizzie and although not shown in the movie, Lizzie wins the US Open and Wimbledon twice.
This was our first time seeing Paul Bettany in the movies and what a smashing (no pun intended) serve it was. His acting was really great as a professional tennis player and we never doubted that he wasn't. Although we have seen a behind the scenes coverage of the film, the ball was CGI but their smashes, serves, lobs weren't so I give credit to the actors especially to Paul. Kirsten Dunst wasn't left behind either as she delivered her role perfectly and they do look good together.
We also loved James McAvoy here as Paul's brother who bets on his opponents always (almost). His character can be omitted without damaging the story line but he was a great icebreaker to some of the scenes herein. Jon Favreau (of Marvel fame) was also here as Paul's agent and he provided also comedic relief to a romance drama comedy theme of the movie. Seriousness was best delivered by Sam Neill as Kirsten's father here and he is great as the super protective dad.
To add more credibility to the film, we can see real professional tennis players here and they are a lot. I counted 11 of them, most of them acting as commentators and some were players who fought against Paul and Kristen's characters.
Another plus to watch this is its wonderfully written and the story telling is light and very detailed as per our view. Even the narration was well placed, especially those in when Colt is speaking with his mind. It's cute and goes a long way in pushing the film higher in our entertainment level.
To be deep, this film shows a man's inferiority amidst a tennis tournament full of ambitious, young and passionate athletes. Of how he overcame using his focus and determination over age and enthusiasm.
So if you are a tennis fan, you will surely love this film. For those who love romance ala romeo and juliet, then get blown by their love story here. For the full movie being shown on YouTube, click on the thumbnail below.
