Starter for 10

****
Release Date: November 10th 2006

Set in 1985, working-class student Brian Jackson (McAvoy) navigates his first year at Bristol University.

Director: Tom Vaughan (So Undercover, What Happens in Vegas)

Starring: James McAvoy, Catherine Tate, James Corden, Dominic Cooper, Rebecca Hall, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve

Starter for 10 is a surprisingly delightful film about a student's struggle of love, friendship and generally accepted for who he is. McAvoy is incredible as Brian, as he sets his sights on becoming a participant in the years University Challenge team.

A fantastic cast follows McAvoy's lead. Eve is Alice, one of McAvoy's love interests, the more outgoing of the two and the most manipulative. She is also on the members of the University Challenge team. Tate plays Brian's mum, for once showing us all that she can be serious on screen, as she mourns the loss of her husband. Cumberbatch's Patrick largely impresses, an egotistical, insufferable know-it-all, whose purpose is to beat Cambridge Universities team after an embarrassing previous year. Rebecca (Hall, by the same name) is quirky and very lovable compared to Eve. Brian's is blinded by fake affections.

McAvoy is the centre of SF10, leading us along a heartwarming journey that one and all can relate to. The most emotional of scenes that McAvoy captivates is on his first date with Eve, when he ends up crying during a conversation about his deceased Father. 

Small appearances by James Corden (then quite unknown) and Dominic Cooper as Brian's buddies from home add to the pile of stars who are unaware of their own potential.

Those of you who were born in the late 70's/early 80's are in for a treat when it comes to the soundtrack. Ace of Spades by Motorhead, Boys Don't Cry by The Cure, I'm Your Man by Wham! and Teenage Kicks by The Undertones are but a few that will lift spirits and resonate nostalgia.

Do check this film out if you haven't already; it's far more down to earth than Richard Curtis' similar efforts (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually), and even if problems aren't fixed, this film will still leave you feeling good.

Overview: Perfect for a rainy day. One of those films that's unlikely to grow old.