Paul Bettany & Kirsten DunstBettany and Dunst at premiereWimbledon stars Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany have hit back at their critics at the premiere of their new movie.

The film, by UK company Working Title, sees struggling British player Peter Colt (Bettany) win a place in the tournament despite his low ranking of 157.


He falls for hotshot tennis star Lizzie Bradbury (Dunst) and at the same time catapults towards the final.

Some critics have described the tennis in the romantic comedy as far-fetched and unrealistic.

But Spider-Man star Dunst said: "I didn't even know about that.

"I thought it looked really exciting and good but it doesn't really bother me. Everybody has their own opinion."

London-born Bettany, 33, admitted: "I was nervous about having to look like a tennis player.

"They hit the ball really hard, they move beautifully, their bodies are so well organised."

The Master and Commander star defended the tennis in the film, saying: "John McEnroe saw it and he was very pleased with it.

"The girl who won Wimbledon (Maria Sharapova) seemed to be very pleased with it as well. We did our best."