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Starter for 10
Tom Vaughan (1)
(2006)
92min
12A Certificate
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Review
Our Score
by
Sloan Freer
TV's
University Challenge
provides a hilarious framing device for debut director Tom Vaughan's spirited coming-of-age comedy drama. Adapted by David Nicholls from his own bestselling novel, it stars a charismatic James McAvoy as a gawky, working-class student navigating through his chaotic fresher year at Bristol University in the mid-1980s. Bittersweet lessons about life and love follow, precipitated by two headstrong girls (a chalk-and-cheese Alice Eve and Rebecca Hall) and a dream opportunity to compete in his favourite academic telly quiz (whose catchphrase gives the film its title). With its smart, pop culture-infused dialogue and evocative period soundtrack, this campus charmer has all the buoyancy of a John Hughes teen caper. But it's the sharp, distinctly British humour and nostalgic warmth that have most appeal. Adroitly combined, they enhance an otherwise conventional plot and bring out the best in a collectively fine cast - especially in the delicious, climactic re-creation of the TV programme itself.
Summary
A working-class student struggling to fit in at a Bristol university in the 1980s applies his formidable general knowledge to get on the college's University Challenge team. An even bigger challenge presents itself as he tries to woo a team-mate. Comedy drama, starring James McAvoy, Alice Eve, Catherine Tate, Charles Dance and Lindsay Duncan, with Mark Gatiss as quizmaster Bamber Gascoigne.
Cast & Crew
Brian Jackson
James McAvoy
Alice Harbinson
Alice Eve
Rebecca Epstein
Rebecca Hall
Julie Jackson
Catherine Tate
Spencer
Dominic Cooper
Patrick
Benedict Cumberbatch
Tone
James Corden
Bamber Gascoigne
Mark Gatiss
Michael Harbinson
Charles Dance
Rose Harbinson
Lindsay Duncan
Josh
Simon Woods
Lucy Chang
Elaine Tan
Director
Tom Vaughan (1)
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
Icon
Guidance:
Contains swearing, nudity and drug abuse.
Available on:
DVD and Blu-ray
Released on:
10 Nov 2006
Drama
Comedy
Full Episode Guide
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