‘Wimbledon’ predictable, but cute romance

A wise philosopher once said, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Or maybe that was Ali MacGraw.

In “Wimbledon,” Kirsten Dunst says, “Love means nothing in tennis – zero.” Not quite as memorable a line, but that’s what poses for philosophy in this by-the-numbers romantic comedy set in the tennis world.

The ever-effervescent Dunst and co-star Paul Bettany are sufficiently likable together, and their banter often has a deft, swift pacing. Until now mostly a supporting figure, Bettany proves himself as an engaging leading man – and upstages the top-billed Dunst in the process.

Bettany plays fading tennis star Peter Colt, ranked 11th in the world nearly a decade ago but who now sits at No. 119. He’s on the verge of retiring and taking a job as a tennis instructor at a posh English club, but first he must compete as a wild card in his final fortnight.

In a painfully cute scene, he runs into Lizzie Bradbury (Dunst) – a bad-girl American at her first Wimbledon – when he walks in on her shower after a mix-up at the hotel front desk.

Director Richard Loncraine’s movie only truly gets going once match play begins.

Like a female John McEnroe (he plays an announcer, alongside Chris Evert), Lizzie shrilly challenges every bad call. And Peter finds himself performing better than anyone figured, thanks to the inspiration he derives from this unexpected relationship. Even Peter’s insufferable agent (Jon Favreau) wants him back.

Shot during Wimbledon last year, the film features a sense of realism and immediacy.