| 10 And Counting |
Starter for 10directed by Tom Vaughanstarring James McAvoy, Rebecca Hall, Alice Eve, Charles Dance, Benedict Cumberbatch starterfor10.com  (L to R) James McAvoy, Alice Eve, Benedict Cumberbatch and Elaine Tan in "Starter for 10"  James McAvoy as Brian Jackson and his less shallow love interest, Rebecca Epstein, played by Rebecca Hall  Alice Eve, James McAvoy, Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Elaine Tan on "The University Challenge"  Indeed, the young and impressionable Brian (James McAvoy of "The Last King of Scotland") maintains an avid hunger for knowledge as the film chronicles his first year as a student at a U.K. university. Set in the mid-80s, elements of nostalgia abound as the cast humorously bears mullets and tacky outfits to further illustrate the era. And although the plot reaches near unbearable predictability, "Starter for 10" does in fact offer a charming cinematic experience due to its talented cast of fresh British faces, including a particularly fine performance from McAvoy as an inquisitive young man in search of knowledge. Adapted from David Nicholls' novel, the movie primarily focuses on Brian's struggles in finding a girlfriend and adjusting to college life. What generates uniqueness to Brian's story stems from his quest to appear on The University Challenge, an actual British TV game show that quizzes college students on a wide array of topics. Indeed, even the film's title is a popular catch phrase featured on this show as the player to correctly answer the first question receives 10 starting points. As Brian methodically strives towards his big game show appearance, McAvoy proves thoroughly convincing in his portrayal of a young man who wishes to retain as many facts and snippets of trivia as possible. McAvoy efficiently handles the slapstick material well, without trying too hard to pull in a laugh. Yet the true magnetism of his acting capabilities, fully materializes during a scene wherein Brian uncontrollably weeps during a first date when his deceased father is mentioned. This character serves as a stirring portrait of a good natured young man who simply wishes to uphold he legacy of a loved one, and we relate to him as a result. Also included in the cast are Brian's dual love interests, Alice (Alice Eve), a sexually charged and unsophisticated blonde, and the more pensive brunette, Rebecca (Rebecca Hall). While Brian may sexually long for Alice, it is in fact Rebecca with whom he develops a stronger personal connection. He endures painfully embarrassing instances with both women, yet one can reason why he would in pursuit. Eve and Hall are physically stunning women each in their own right. Eve is sweet and alluring as the venerable blonde beauty who Brian lustfully covets. Hall, on the other hand, portrays youthful depth and sophistication as a character reminiscent of Winona Ryder in "Beetlejuice" or "Heathers." In spite of the provocative performances from Eve and Hall, it remains difficult for either actress, or anyone in the film for that matter, to escape the vapidity of the plot. Towards the movie's conclusion, for instance, Brian must make a difficult decision when finally deciding between Alice or Rebecca. You don't need to view "The Breakfast Club" or "Pretty in Pink" in order to ascertain which girl he will eventually pick. Yet "Starter for 10" is ultimately saved through its fresh, young cast and a catchy soundtrack of some of the best music from the '80s, including The Cure and The Smiths. The new wave songs provide an atmosphere of charm to the film which neatly complements the conviction within the performances of the actors. {mos_ri}
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