Starter For Ten

UK Release: 10th November 2006

Watched on TV: Monday 22nd August 2011

Rating: 12A

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Runtime: 1hr 32mins

IMDb Plot Summary: In 1985, against the backdrop of Thatcherism, Brian Jackson enrolls in the University of Bristol, a scholarship boy from seaside Essex with a love of knowledge for its own sake and a childhood spent watching "University Challenge," a college quiz show. At Bristol he tries out for the Challenge team and falls under the spell of Alice, a lovely blond with an extensive sexual past. He's smitten, and he carelessly manages to hurt the feelings of Rebecca Epstein, a friend whose politics and wit he admires. The Challenge finale is coming up; maybe Brian can redeem himself and still avoid being a prat.

A Quick Review: Starter For Ten is a sweet comedy starring James McAvoy as Brian Jackson who is obsessed with knowledge. After getting into Bristol University he finds his way into the University Challenge team - albeit as a ‘back-up’ member. Eventually he fights his way onto the team by proving his worth to the captain - Patrick Watts - fantastically played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Set in the mid 80’s, there is a certain quirky charm about the film which is full of likeable characters, even if Jackson is a little dim at times.

The film is almost a showcase of British comedic talent with James Corden and Dominic Cooper playing McAvoy’s best friends from Essex, whose worlds really don’t mix. 

Catherine Tate stood out in this film, playing McAvoy’s mother. She is exceptional, showing a serious actress instead of a comedian persona that she is mostly known for. The great performances carries the plot through as despite the funny and touching story lines, it is a little predictable, while always remaining entertaining. 

Score: 7.5/10