Tom Vaughan's Starter for Ten was a film I was looking forward to. I was curious because of James McAvoy and also Rebecca Hall. Watching it I found it strangely anticlimatic.
McAvoy's Brian is a nerdy university student who falls for Eve, a blonde teammate on the University Challenge team. His romance is tempered by Rebecca Epstein (Hall) who is the ultimate activist student in the 1980's. In addition there are subplots with Brian's mother, and his non-university friends.
At least one quote I saw made reference to John Hughes, and the elements are clear. Strong characters in outrageous situations, good music, and a happy ending. Hughes, however, has stronger pacing. I found the first half of the film to drag beforeit found its legs. Once it hit proper pace it was a quick zoom to the end. It was also destined to be predictable.