Review of Starter for 10 (2006) by Robert H — 01 May 2011

Starter for 10 is hugely enjoyable and a top-class comedy. The script covers all aspects of intelligence, sharp witty humour and a good understanding of human relationships. Starter for 10 is a very British movie and will be one of the great British comedies.

The film attracts the audience straight away and the main lead of Brian, who is superbly played by James McAvoy. McAvoy brings so much charm, sensitivity, humour and confidence as a leading man that you cannot help but enjoy his coming-of-age tale. The film addresses the experience of change when moving away from home. There is a real contrast with Brian's friends in Essex (played by Dominic Cooper and James Cordon) and the friends he makes at University. This movie is extremely funny due to the brilliant casting and the on-screen chemistry the actors share with each other. There are intelligent jokes to witty on-liners especially from Benedict Cumberbatch who plays the University Challenge team captain and receives roars of laughter.

Starter for 10 is heavily influenced by the time it is set and how important the class system was in the 80's. Brian wants to escape from his working class background but his friends don't want him to turn into a "twat". There is great music in the film and will transform anyone over thirty back into that era. As well as humour McAvoy brings a lot of heart to the role of Brian and taking into consideration it is hard to impress dramatically in a romantic comedy, McAvoy's performance in this film shows that Starter for 10 had depth and dimension and proves him to be one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Starter for 10's script brings a feel-good-factor to the screen which does not happen often enough in movies and all the more reason Starter for 10 stands out. From a "Reservoir Dogs" slo-mo walk to the University challenge desk to Charles Dance and Lindsay Duncan's hilarious cameos makes Starter for 10 one of the smartest comedies you will ever see.