Starter for 10
Starter for 10
PG-13 | 15 October 2006 (USA)
Starter for 10 Trailers

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.

Reviews
SnoReptilePlenty

Memorable, crazy movie

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Majorthebys

Charming and brutal

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Bessie Smyth

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

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Payno

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

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studioAT

This a big old fashioned British comedy, one that feels both like a Richard Curtis film, and 'The Breakfast Club' all at the same time.It's funny in places, really funny actually, and has a good heart behind it too.James McAvoy shines in his role, and there's some other lovely performances along the way too, from people in many cases who have gone onto better things.I would recommend this film because it's not one of those crewd comedies that Judd Apatow turn out yearly. It's a well-written and well performed film that makes you realise that it's OK to be yourself.

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Pengiran Zafran (pengiranzaf)

Just watched this days earlier and I love it. Starter for 10 is one of the best British-American films I've ever seen. Love the attractive cast and love the charisma of James McAvoy. This was a very inspiring coming-of-age movie to watch with the family. It has taught me so much on what I'll be expecting when I take that huge step in college life, such as the balancing complicated relationships with friends with important studies, dealing with idiot seniors, keeping in touch with old friends and experiencing changes as you enter college. I've also learned that being in college can also bring out the boring and dark side of all high school graduates. Overall this was a great film and I suggest you watch it.

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imdb_rater

This movie reminded me a lot of my own student times. I could very much relate to the main character, Brian, even though I studied in the 2000s and I am female. James McAvoy perfectly shows the curiosity, insecurity and naivety many feel when they first move out from home and study at university. You can see how Brian is torn between trying to fit in (going to parties where he knows no one, smoking pot), but also how he pursues the things he likes, no matter if others think he is cool (making it to a TV quiz show and being the most eager student in his favourite class). Brian could very well be the guy living next door in your student house, and probably you would become friends with him. Many of us will be able to remember scenes of our own student life depicted in this movie: feeling lost on a party, constantly sipping from your glass to keep yourself busy and trying hard to have a casual conversation with complete strangers; how your mother keeps asking you if you packed everything you need for the weekend and you don't know how to explain her that you're not a child any more ("Do you have towels? Yes? Then at least take some ham with you..."); or when you can't believe your luck because you see that the girl or boy you really like is interested in you as well. This movie just feels very real. My favourite scenes were those of the first kiss(es), full of anxiety, and played more realistically than in most movies I've seen. And the awkwardly misunderstood quote from "the graduate". The credit goes to James McAvoy who is perfectly believable as a first- year student and keeps this movie together even in its weaker scenes. He is supported by a strong cast, especially his two love interests and the leader of the university quiz team. Unfortunately, in its last 20 minutes (which is when the actual climax was supposed to take place, during the quiz show) the movie feels a bit rushed, becomes predictable and some scenes are a bit too much (e.g. how Cumberbatch looks... you'll know what I mean when you'll see it). It also takes the easy (and safe) way out in the final scenes. I give this movie 7 stars out of 10. If it wasn't for the last 20 minutes, I would have given it 9 stars. As it is, this is still a very entertaining and excellently acted movie which you will certainly enjoy watching.

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chucknorrisrules

This film has to be one of my favourites since I was forced to watch it by cultural people. Luckily I was not disappointed.The general story is of a Brian (McAvoy), an intelligent and clever young man who after going to university in Bristol, joins the University Challenge team. During this time, he falls for an attractive blonde on the team called Alice (Eve) while being completely oblivious to the affections of the beautiful intellectual, Rebecca Epstein (Hall).The film has a great cast and some good comedy moments. A great cast, and some good dialogue. There's not much else to say about it, but that if you ever feel unhappy and depressed, watch this gem, it will not disappoint in cheering you up.

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