Set in 1985, working-class student Brian Jackson (McAvoy) navigates his first year at Bristol University.Set in 1985, working-class student Brian Jackson (McAvoy) navigates his first year at Bristol University.Set in 1985, working-class student Brian Jackson (McAvoy) navigates his first year at Bristol University.
- Awards
- 1 win & 3 nominations
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDespite the fact she plays Brian Jackson's mother, Julie Jackson, Catherine Tate is only 10 years older than James McAvoy.
- GoofsISTR institutions did not enter every year in the original series. They were invited to compete on a rota basis.
- Quotes
Brian Jackson: I admit it. I'd made some mistakes. Okay, some big mistakes. Loads of them. But you can't hide in your room forever feeling sorry for yourself. It's not practical. At some point, you've got to get back out there, face up to things, and confront your demons. Ever since I can remember, I'd wanted to be clever. Some people are born clever, same way some people are born beautiful. I'm not one of those people. I'm going to have to work at it, put in the effort, and if I mess it up, I'll learn from it. Besides, sometimes it's not about knowing the right answer. Sometimes it's about asking the right questions.
- Crazy creditsDuring the opening credits the theme music from the BBC program University Challenge (1962), which the title of the film refers to, is played.
- ConnectionsFeatured in University Challenge: The Story So Far (2006)
- SoundtracksCollege Boy (University Challenge Theme)
Written by Derek New
Published by EMI Blackwood Music Inc.
Courtesy of Granada Television Limited
McAvoy's turn in Starter for Ten as frosh geek Brian Jackson, at University in 1985, is wondrously physical and inspired. He's graced with an infinitely pliable, benevolent face that's both plain and handsome. As a smart, shy working class boy, still reeling from the loss of his father years ago, McAvoy wields Jackson's intelligence as both sword and shield he draws you to him with his wit, and keeps you at arm's length with the same. For all his smarts, he's at a loss when drawn to both the enigmatic Julie (the piercingly funny Catherine Tate) a partner on the school's quiz team and the politically active Rebecca (the gangly beauty Rebecca Hall who hits low vocal notes reminiscent of Emma Thompson).
Directed by Tom Vaughan from an agile screenplay by David Nicholls, Starter for Ten is the best movie John Hughes would have made if he was English and set his comedies in college instead of high school. Though predictable and erratically paced, there's a real suggestion of university life in it. And McAvoy's creation wrings true emotion. He has a showcase scene in a restaurant where he goes from laughter to tears within the same sentence you're with him all the way. The movie is an entertaining piffle, but it serves notice that you just might be watching the birth of a star.
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Starter for Ten
- Filming locations
- Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, England, UK(Brian's parents' home)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $216,839
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $37,141
- Feb 25, 2007
- Gross worldwide
- $1,736,394
- Runtime1 hour 32 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1