Hi, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab...
Paul Bettany’s been hilarious talking about this on various talk shows recently. I’m just not sure I think tennis is terribly cinematic. Here’s one person’s take on a very rough cut of this film:
Hey Harry/Moriarty/Whoever isn’t at SXSW –
While you’re covering all the happenings in Austin, I thought I’d do my part to hold down the fort in Sherman Oaks, CA… I was also kind of bored, so I thought I’d actually write a review of a movie I thought was pretty good.
Caught what we were told is the first screening of “Wimbledon” starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst tonight. I didn’t know that I was going to see it and probably wouldn’t have seen it if my friend wasn't so psyched about his passes (which everyone and their mother gets out here). I’ve never been a huge tennis fan… it’s fine, but I haven’t forgiven my parents for missing my appearance in the annual 4th of July bike ride in The Woodlands, TX so that they could stay at home to watch the final rounds of Wimbledon on TV. Sure it was about 15 years ago, but that shit sticks with you.
Anyway, the movie is set against the backdrop of – you guessed it – Wimbledon. Paul Bettany plays Peter Colt – a pro tennis player who is getting older and is going to retire after he finishes up this last tournament. He used to be ranked 11th in the world, but now is getting ready to take a job as a tennis coach at a country club. Kirsten Dunst is Lizzy, the American version of Anna Kournikova (except for the fact that she can actually play tennis). They meet, they hook up, they date, they fall in love, complications happen, and you just may know what happens next. Not a new story at all, but I gotta say that I like the way it was told.
When it started, some of the camera effects and editing made me think that I was going to be watching “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Racquets.” But the camera tricks smoothed out and the director started telling his story. I had a weird realization while watching the movie: Most everyone is British, it’s a romantic comedy (of sorts), it’s got a charming leading man… but, wait, this doesn’t seem like “Notting Hill” or “Love Actually.” Yeah, there’s the eccentric Brit here & there and I heard one person say “Bugger!”… but everything seems a bit more… what’s the word? Natural. Dare I say – real. The relationship between Paul and Kirsten starts out as just sex – just a fling. They see each other more and their conversations aren’t overly witty, they aren’t incredibly deep, they aren’t really sentimental, they’re just kind of… well… real, pleasant, and fun. And from those conversations, springs love. It was refreshing to see this natural approach to a budding romance where the people still have a sexual spark. And that’s a credit to the writer… but also the stars.
Paul Bettany has been good in everything I’ve seen him in. But I’ve never seen him do such a likable leading role. 10 years ago, this would’ve been Hugh Grant’s role. But Paul gets rid of the bumbling and gives life and heart to a – gasp – normal guy.
I’ve tried really hard to like Kirsten Dunst over the past few years. Her nipples were fantastic in the otherwise thankless role in “Spiderman,” but I’ve always thought that she brings no more credibility to a role than anyone who was in my high school drama department. And we’re still waiting for the breakout star from that department. This is the most natural that I’ve seen her, though. She’s confident and – finally – she’s not just cute, she's sexy. The chemistry between her and Paul is really relaxed. You don’t get the feeling that they’re star-crossed lovers, but you feel that they’ve got a real connection.
Sam Neil also shows up as the requisite disapproving father. Jon Favreau does his Foggy Nelson schtick again to good effect.
The tennis is handled pretty well especially at the end (except for some missing effects shots – yeah, we’re in an age where there are cg effects in a tennis movie). I just wish that there was MORE tennis throughout. Again it’s not that I’m a fan of the sport, it’s just that if this sport is so important to them, show me why. Show me some of the stakes involved. Let the relationship be subtle but give us a little more oomph with the action that drives the story and their lives.
So, it’s a good movie and would make for a good date (my friend didn’t quite fit the bill). Nice and subtle in parts, relatively exciting in others.
But, let’s cut the crap, I’m going to give you a bit of a spoiler. Kirsten Dunst plays a sexual character who looks damned good when sweaty-n-flushed… but does she get naked?
Nope. But there are Spiderman-esque moments and her introduction is damned titillating.
So there you have it.
-Tommy Callahan III
Thanks, Tommy. Very fair-handed reaction. Consider my interest piqued.
"Moriarty" out.
