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Starter for 10 (2006)

PG-13 | | Comedy, Drama, Romance | 9 March 2007 (USA)
Set in 1985, working-class student Brian Jackson (McAvoy) navigates his first year at Bristol University.

Director:

Writers:

(novel), (screenplay)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joseph Friend ...
James Gaddas ...
...
...
Robert Cawsey ...
University Challenge Competitor
Rasmus Hardiker ...
University Challenge Competitor
...
...
...
...
...
...
Joe Van Moyland ...
Hippy at the Party
...
...
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Storyline

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. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance | Sport

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, language and a scene of drug use | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

9 March 2007 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

A nagy kvízválasztó  »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£207,345 (UK) (10 November 2006)

Gross:

$210,128 (USA) (23 March 2007)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Rebecca Hall and Benedict Cumberbatch went on to star opposite each other in Ford Madox Ford's Parade's End. See more »

Goofs

Venus by Bananarama is playing when Brian gets home for Christmas 1985. The song was not released until mid spring 1986. See more »

Quotes

Brian Jackson: [trying to talk to Rebecca at a political rally] Could we go somewhere... less angry?
See more »

Connections

Featured in University Challenge: The Story So Far (2006) See more »

Soundtracks

Situation
Performed by Yazoo (as Yaz)
Written by Alison Moyet, Vince Clarke
Published by Sony/ATV Songs LLC o/b/o Sony/ATV Music Publishing UK Ltd. / Musical Moments UK Ltd. / Mega Music Ltd.
Courtesy of Sire Records
By Arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Sweet, moving, emotional winner
21 September 2006 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I attended the world premiere of "Starter for Ten" at the Toronto International Film Festival. First things first. Just as director Tom Vaughan did in introducing the film, let's get the explanation of the title out of the way. The plot centers around a group of university students competing on "University Challenge," a popular UK quiz show in which the host begins by announcing, "Starter for Ten..." The American equivalent would be, "I'll take Famous Armadillos for 20, Alex." Now that we're set in place, let's get set in time.

This is a period piece -- 1985, to be exact. And make no mistake about it -- the filmmakers went all out to recreate the mid-80's -- sets, costumes, hair and, most importantly (for this writer, anyway) the music. And oh, what great songs. That had me from the word "go." Finally, we need a protagonist. One who is captivating enough to command 90 minutes of our time. And this is, perhaps, the crowning achievement of this film. His name is James McAvoy, and he had no less than three films screening in Toronto this year. Talk about prolific. Though a bit older than the character Brian Jackson, he's convincing as a teenager off to discover himself and of what he is capable, in school, life, and affairs of the heart. He wins us over because he commands the screen and the script, and has the eyes of innocence and vulnerability with which we can all identify. He is everyman -- every boy/man -- and no doubt we see our own coming-of-age through his eyes. Throw all those elements together with a compelling love story and you have a formula for success. I asked McAvoy after the screening what his most difficult scene was. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that he becomes emotional at times, and quite convincingly. He told me that he had to keep reminding himself that it was Brian who was sad, not James. That's powerful stuff. This is a sweet, moving film which left me wanting more. I'll take "Starter for Ten," and I think you will, too.


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