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Amazon.co.uk Review
Compared to James McAvoy's previous picture, The Last King of Scotland, this comedy may seem trivial, but trivia has its pleasures. Produced by Tom Hanks and adapted by David Nicholls from his 2003 novel, Starter for Ten doesn't tackle major historical events, but it also takes place in the past. After a prologue establishing his childhood in provincial Essex, Brian (McAvoy) takes off for Bristol University in 1985 and immediately sets his sights on the campus quiz team. If he makes the cut, he'll get to compete on University Challenge, a show he used to watch the show with his late father, who encouraged his son's quest for knowledge. For all his book smarts, though, Brian is rather naïve about the ways of the world, unlike his friend Spencer (Dominic Cooper, The History Boys), who remains in town. As Brian and his teammates prepare for the competition, he falls for co-eds Alice (Alice Eve) and Rebecca (Rebecca Hall, The Prestige), struggles to repair his fraying friendship with Spencer, and confronts feelings of betrayal over his mother's new boyfriend. For the most part, Starter for Ten explores standard-issue college concerns, but with abundant wit, whimsy, and a soundtrack stuffed with Thatcher-era favorites, like the Smiths and New Order. While the resolution to Brian's romantic dilemma hardly comes as a surprise, the climactic quiz show is a nail-biter. Mostly, the film is a fine showcase for the multi-talented McAvoy, who confirms that he can handle light comedy as gracefully as dark drama. --Kathleen C. Fennessy END
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
In a nutshell: Set in the mid-80s, James McAvoy plays Brian Jackson, a working-class Essex boy with a thirst for knowledge who realises a dream to go to university (in this case Bristol) and enter University Challenge. On the way he falls in love with a beautiful blonde member of the quiz team but ultimately realises it's the plainer, but still attractive, brunette who is the girl for him - a la 'Gregory's Girl'.
Fear not, the above `love twist' I revealed won't spoil the plot for you. It's made blatantly clear within the first 15 minutes that this is what will happen. And that's maybe the problem with the movie - it's all a bit predictable and safe - save for a fantastic twist in the University Challenge studios.
It has nice performances from James McAvoy and Dominic Cooper, both set for future stardom, and the cast includes the always fantastic John Henshaw wearing a dodgy `tache. I must also mention the frighteningly realistic portrayal of Bamber Gascoigne by Mark 'League of Gentleman' Gatiss and Catherine Tate's sympathetic turn as Brian's mother.
Adapted by David Nicholls from his own book, the film isn't particular smart enough, funny enough or romantic enough to be a major entry in either the rom-com or just plain comedy classic stakes. But on its own limited terms it's a watchable and likeable enough movie to while away a spare hour and a half. `Starter for Ten' is a joint effort by the BBC and HBO and boasts a production credit for a certain Mr Tom Hanks. And if you're of a `certain age' you'll probably enjoy the not bad soundtrack of early to mid-80s hits by British artists.
Fear not, the above `love twist' I revealed won't spoil the plot for you. It's made blatantly clear within the first 15 minutes that this is what will happen. And that's maybe the problem with the movie - it's all a bit predictable and safe - save for a fantastic twist in the University Challenge studios.
It has nice performances from James McAvoy and Dominic Cooper, both set for future stardom, and the cast includes the always fantastic John Henshaw wearing a dodgy `tache. I must also mention the frighteningly realistic portrayal of Bamber Gascoigne by Mark 'League of Gentleman' Gatiss and Catherine Tate's sympathetic turn as Brian's mother.
Adapted by David Nicholls from his own book, the film isn't particular smart enough, funny enough or romantic enough to be a major entry in either the rom-com or just plain comedy classic stakes. But on its own limited terms it's a watchable and likeable enough movie to while away a spare hour and a half. `Starter for Ten' is a joint effort by the BBC and HBO and boasts a production credit for a certain Mr Tom Hanks. And if you're of a `certain age' you'll probably enjoy the not bad soundtrack of early to mid-80s hits by British artists.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
If you read the book like me, you will only notice a loose following of the story line, in my mind many of the funniest moments of the book have been missed out of this film. The film in it's own right isn't bad and has a few funny moments, however, I can't help feeling if they had extended it from 90minutes then it could have been a whole of a lot better. If you watch the film and enjoy it, then definitely buy the book afterwards as it's a whole lot better.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Produced by BBC & HBO, this lowish budget movie is aimed at those that enjoy the likes of Four Weddings and Notting Hill. It's not quite in the same league though. Having just watched the 2nd Season of Rome I was suprised to see a few familiar cast members popping up in minor roles (interestingly that is also a BBC/HBO production). James McAvoy is good as always, and he's ably supported by an excellent cast including Catherine Tate, Charles Dance & Lindsay Duncan. I was a little disappointed that a lot of the music is provided by The Cure. Although I like the band,I hoped for a bit more variety. The film is supposed to be set in Southend and Bristol, so I was suprised the filmakers chose a location that bore no resemblance to Southend whatsoever. I live there, I only wish it was half as nice!!! All in all an agreeable enough way to spend 90 minutes as long as you don't expect too much. However, if you want to see what a great actor James McAvoy is, catch Last King of Scotland instead.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Terrible film
If you've read the book you'll find this film totally disappointing . Certain elements and scenes in the book were either omitted or misinterpreted. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Arron97
Okay
This film is quite a good film if you haven't read the book. After reading the book you will realise that there is a couple of things which have been taken out and it doesn't make... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Blue Shoes
A fun, light hearted comedy about growing up in the 80s!
Watched this film over a lazy sunday afternoon (despite not having read the book) and it was surprisly good... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sparkly_Shoes
A brilliant way to pass a spare afternoon
Apart from being a showcase for some now world reknown acting talent and the place where my long-term love affiar with Benedict Cumberbatch began, starter for ten is one of those... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Raven
COME BACK BAMBER.
Features James McAvoy, Rebecca Hall, Alice Eve.
Do you remember the days of the television programme University Challenge when it was presented by the very excellent Bamber... Read more
Do you remember the days of the television programme University Challenge when it was presented by the very excellent Bamber... Read more
Published 2 months ago by DOGBERRY
Social mobility, 80s style
No matter how simplistic or forgettable a film may be, it's hard to be scathing about it if its heart is in the right place. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Dariush Alavi
Disappointing
Having read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it, both my husband and I were looking forward to the film. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Susiesue
Enjoyable film
Entertaining film, especially for a Saturday night. Good weekend feelgood film. Excellent cast and good script. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Wildthing
Excellent Film!
Fantastic Film and some future stars in the making.
Enjoyable, easy going and a happy ending as well. Great afternoon flick.
Enjoyable, easy going and a happy ending as well. Great afternoon flick.
Published 8 months ago by DC
Read the book
After reading and enjoying the book I was looking forward to seeing the film but unfortunately ended up being disappointed with the lack of detail and particularly with the way... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Eloise
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