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.

Prismark10 Starter for 10 is a coming of age tale with a lot of 1980s music but a slight and bland story.Brian Jackson (James McAvoy) loved facts ever since he was a wee nipper and has enrolled at Bristol University where he has a chance to enter University Challenge then a long running ITV show with Bamber Gascoigne.He also falls for lively, flirty, posh and good looking blonde Alice Harbinson (Alice Eve) but also gets entangled with lovely, lively, left wing activist and good looking brunette, Rebecca Epstein (Rebecca Hall).When it comes to the television quiz he has a testy relationship with captain of the team Patrick Watts (Benedict Cumberbatch) and things get worse when one of Brian's hometown friends gets involved in a fight with Patrick.The film has a cast of youngsters who have gone on to become famous such Cumberbatch, McAvoy as well as Dominic Cooper and James Corden. Mark Gatiss is a convincing Bamber Gascoigne and the recreation of University Challenge is very good but that is a very small part of the film despite the title of the movie.The rest of the film about a young teenager discovering a romantic awakening in Thatcher's Britain is rather humdrum. The film is an adaptation of the book which may be more spiky than this.

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.

mike-578-24677 Alright I confess that I don't see or understand the charms of Mr McEvoy but putting my prejudices on one side I have to say I've had more fun with a rectal exam.This film takes dullness to new levels. It's excruciating even if you have your observers book of Brit-film clichés with you and are intent on crossing a few hundred of them off.Imagine, if you will, a love child fathered by Four Weddings on the blushing maiden known as The Holiday and you get an idea of how bad this film is.Everyone involved should be thoroughly ashamed - apart from Mark Gatiss.