(Romance/Sports Comedy: 1 hour, 38 minutes); Starring: Paul Bettany, Kirsten Dunst, and Sam Neill; Director: Richard Loncraine; Rated: PG-13 (Strong language, brief nudity, brief violence)

Movie Review: Peter Colt (Bettany) is participating in his last tennis tournament. He is ranked number 119 in the world. A 32-year-old British gentleman, Colt knows that he is far from the best at Wimbledon and is not expected to win. After he starts a tryst with Lizzie Bradbury, the No. 1 female contender at Wimbledon, Colt’s game improves. Yet the same cannot be said for Bradbury’s game. Despite constant scrutiny of paparazzi and Bradbury’s father, Dennis (Neill), Colt and Bradbury continue their relationship.

“Wimbledon” is a romantic sports film that is as clichd as it is good. Most romances have the same storyline: two people get together, they break up, and become a couple again by the film’s end. Been there, done that! The movie’s best is Paul Bettany, especially when the audience is allowed to hear his thoughts. Bettany carries this film while Dunst just looks like a little girl in comparison, trying to find her rhythm. Still, “Wimbledon” is gratifying and the tennis action leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat cheering for the underdog.

Grade: B- (Almost a grand slam.)m