Starter For Ten (British Comedy)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: C- Film: C-
James
McAvoy was so good in The Last King Of
Scotland (reviewed elsewhere on this site) that I had high hopes that the
HBO DVD release of Tom Vaughan’s Starter
For 10 would be entertaining and I did think it began well. Unfortunately, it goes into silly decline
quickly as the David Nichols’ screenplay (based on his novel) loses ground
quickly and all evaporates.
McAvoy
plays a young man named Brian, who became obsessed with quiz shows as a child
during the 1980s and grows up with that same ambition, but a young lady comes
into his life that could derail this dream.
Unfortunately, the conflict of both are never convincing and derail the
film. That’s a shame, because this could
have been great if the makers could have juggled the two. Someone hit the Match Game wrong answer buzzer please!
The anamorphically
enhance 1.78 X 1 image looks like it was shot in some kind of high definition digital
video, but color, definition and detail somewhat limited throughout no mater
how it was shot. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix
is lively ands though not great, features some good 1980s music prominently. Extras include a behind the scenes featurettes
and pop-up music guide.
- Nicholas Sheffo
