Review of Starter for 10 (2006) by Briain D — 17 Apr 2012

I had high expectations of Starter for 10, being a huge fan of University Challenge and even having tried out for it myself (without success!). I liked the sound of a romantic comedy set in a university and around my favourite quiz show and I liked that it was based on a novel by the excellent David Nicholls. However, much like One Day, Starter for 10 was a disappointment. Not on all levels, but as a whole.

Brian Jackson is a thoroughly annoying and non-likable character. He acts more ignorant than someone in a university should, and less streetwise than someone from working-class Essex should. He doesn't seem to fit into either environment, that with his mates Spencer and Tone in Southend, or that with the "wankers in silk jackets" at university. This was a particular disappointment. A film like this needed a strong, funny and charming male lead, but Brian proved to be none of these vital characteristics in the film. Alice, also, was an annoying and scarcely believable character. Despite beating the seemingly intelligent Brian to get a place on the University Challenge team, she comes across as ditsy and idiotic. In the whole picture, she gets only one question right. Sure, it's a romcom and these details aren't supposed to be taken very seriously, but I feel the mishaps and failures are just too much to ignore.

It's not all bad for Starter for 10. Some other characters are very enjoyable to watch. Rebecca, Patrick, Brian's mother, Julie, Spencer and Alice's parents (as little as we see of them) are all played really well by their actors and actresses. Rebecca, in particular, is a joyous part of the film, always a positive influence. When she is let down badly by Brian on numerous occasions, we empathise with her, but she never gives up and ends up getting the guy at the end of the film, though I really don't think he deserves her. Julie and her new boyfriend, Des, are a real source of comic relief outside of the university bubble. They are a fun couple and very supportive of Brian, a spirited part of the film.

There are plenty of laughs in this film. Everything from political satire to the direct clash of different classes is used as an excuse for comedy in Starter for 10 and this means that it's not all bad for the film. It could have been much better with a more desirable male lead and also less of a focus on the romantic side of things and more on the general comedy that is life. Still, worth a watch if it's on.