Starter for 10

"Just promise me you won't become a wanker." - Spencer

Starter for 10 is an adorable British rom-com that really takes the 80s influence very seriously. Set in 1985, it tells the story of Brian, a young man who has resolved all of his life to be as clever as possible. This mission has resulted in him knowing a slew of useless knowledge, lacking some equally important knowledge about life, and a general direction towards Bristol university and a turn on "University Challenge" a televised trivia show.

Along the way, things get thrown for a bit of a loop, as is prone to happen, when Brian meets Rebecca. Rebecca is beautiful, but not in a way that draws attention. She is smart, and funny, and motivated. Brian is drawn to her and everything seems like it should work out beautifully, only then the movie would last about 24 minutes. Instead, while trying out for University Challege, Brian gets his first glimpse of Alice. Alice is a drama major. She is stunning, and blonde, wearing miniskirts everywhere, and using her sexuality to get whatever she wants. Of course, Brian decides he loves Alice. What follows is a comedy of errors, where Brian learns that knowing a lot of facts is not the same thing as knowing a lot. From a disastrous trip to Alice's cottage for the New Year, to the dramatic show down on live television, it is incredibly engaging to watch Brian discover what he really has to offer, and how that new knowledge ultimately changes what he wants, as he learns that it's ok to be who you are, rather than who you dreamed of being.

Brian is played by my current "It" boy James McAvoy (I'm not even going to be subtle about how much I simply ADORE James McAvoy, it can't be helped). Is a sweet, well-meaning kid. McAvoy plays him perfectly. Brian begins the movie awkward, difficult to watch. He is much like a more educated Anthony Michael Hall from Sixteen Candles only less self assured. As the movie progresses, however, you are drawn in to how nuanced McAvoy's performance really is. Brian's earnest looks, his deep sadness, his moments of confusion and joy, they are all true to form. Watching the movie both confirms exactly why I love McAvoy, but at the same time makes me wonder. He's such an awkward looking man, not typical of the Hollywood mold, and yet he is alluring. He is genuine and he is really a person you can relate to. A guy you'd want to date, if only you weren't too busy paying attention to the good looking jerk next to him.

The supporting cast is equally excellent. Rebecca Hall, who plays Rebecca Epstein, is positively the coolest chick I've seen in a movie recently. She bears a faint resemblance to Molly Ringwald, which makes her perfect for the idea of an 80s romantic comedy, but more than that, she just comes across as so relaxed in herself and in her character, that you shake your head at how foolish Brian could be to overlook her. She's a scarf and sweater, Converse wearing post-punk-beat-poet kinda girl, and there's something intensely likable to her aloofness. When she tells Brian sarcastically "I will learn to love again." with an eye roll for emphasis, you know she wants to believe it herself, more than she needs him to think she doesn't care. Alice Eve, who plays (shockingly) Alice, makes it difficult to hate her character. You realize, after awhile, that Alice doesn't mean for Brian to fall in love with her, she is just simply unable to behave any differently towards a boy like him than she always has. And Dominic Cooper, who plays Brian's rough-around-the-edges mate Spencer, spends much of the film looking like a greaser, or a Shark/Jet, but provides a certain sensitivity to his underprivileged character. Spencer is afraid of losing Brian as a friend now that he's swimming in the big pool, but finds it difficult to explain this and maintain his tough guy image. So he struggles throughout the film to maintain his friendship with Brian, without being fully able to express to Brian why it is so important.

Starter for 10 (a phrase which refers to the scoring system on "University Challenge" - starting question worth 10 points), should not be overlooked as merely another romantic comedy. It is smart, big hearted, and sometimes very sad. It is very much a movie about life, that is made more comfortable by pushing the setting back 20 years and creating some romantic turmoil. Brian is what many of us are, someone who is trying to claim a place for themselves, trying to be extraordinary, when satisfactory was meant to be their place in life. And more than just giving hope for romance, like most romantic comedies falsely do, Starter for 10 gives the hope that by embracing who we are is how we may truly become spectacular.

**** of *****
4 out of 5