Wimbledon

By FRANCESCA RUDKIN

(Herald rating: * * * )

Hugh Grant was regarded as too old to play the romantic lead in this new comedy from the makers of Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral, so Paul Bettany, who has made a name for himself supporting Russell Crowe (A Beautiful Mind and Master and Commander), stepped into the role. The Brit is no stranger to comedy - he played the naked poet in A Knights Tale - but this is his debut as a romantic lead, and he proves adorable.

Peter Colt, a 32-year-old tennis pro on the eve of retirement, is given a wildcard entrance to Wimbledon. Once a world No 11, Colt is on the downhill slide. He is no longer respected by his younger competitors and, with his confidence and ranking ebbing away, he has a job lined up at the local club teaching middle-aged women how to serve. His goal is to dip out of Wimbledon with some dignity attached.

But something unusual happens, for Colt at least, and he starts winning. Colt falls in love with an up-and-coming feisty American tennis star, and lo-and-behold the serve and volley is back. Although love suits Colt and turns him back into a serious contender for the title, the opposite is happening for Lizzie, who is kicked out of the tournament in the semifinals.

This does not suit a pushy father (Sam Neill) and a whole load of up-front American ambition, so it seems the relationship must be sacrificed on the altar of centre court.

If you are wondering how a couple of actors could pull off playing world-class tennis players, then don't. It's a movie! However Pat Cash (himself a winner of Wimbledon) spent months with the stars getting the look of their game up to scratch and computer graphics did the rest, placing the balls in place.

Bettany is perfect as the self-deprecating Colt, he swears just as charmingly as Grant and has the ability to gaze lovingly at Lizzy and make her swoon, as well as a good proportion of the girls in the movie theatre.

Easy going, cheesy and unbelievable: Wimbledon is the perfect way to spend time in fantasy land.

The film is more about love than it is about tennis, but the most rousing aspect of the film is the tennis - it inspires you to dust off the racquet and hit the court this summer.

Or, at least, watch a game or two on the telly.

CAST: Paul Bettany, Kirsten Dunst, Sam Neill and Austin Nichols

DIRECTOR: Richard Loncraine

RUNNING TIME: 98 mins

RATING: M - Offensive Language & Sexual References

SCREENING: Village, Hoyts and Berkeley cinemas