Starter for 10

I've become keen on the use of the word "nice" to describe things that are remarkable in a good way, but not necessarily "nice" in the traditional sense of that word. I came onto this habit after a trip to the Netherlands last year during which a business associate continually referred to food that tasted "nice". But not just "nice". More like, surprisingly delicious or startlingly good; better than expected. It doesn't modify an adjective; it is the adjective. A richer-than-expected cup of hot chocolate is not "nicely seasoned"; it is "nice". A perfectly-prepared tenderloin of beef is not "nicely cooked"; it is "nice".

But my version of "nice" isn't just for food. Now it's "nice" for anything that is surprisingly good or exceedingly pleasant. I think I'm drawn to the use of "nice" in this context because of the way it actually understates the goodness of the item being described, while also not fitting squarely with normal usage of the word. It's almost an ironic usage, but not fully ironic, because I'm genuinely remarking about the quality or pleasure of the item being described. (It's left up to you, the viewers, to debate whether there can exist varying degrees of irony. For example, the statement of a nun to her doctor of, "Well, how pregnant am I?" could be debated endlessly.)

Which brings me to the point of this entry. Last night I watched a nice moved called Starter for 10. I say it's nice, and it warrants an entry on this blog, for the following reasons:

1. It succeeds as an '80's period film. Not an easy task.

2. It succeeds as a John Hughes-esque character piece that feels exceptionally authentic despite overplaying several cliches and generalities.

3. The acting and script were just good enough to be engaging, but just bad enough to create a believability and a humanness in the characters. The actors say the kinds of things that you or I would say, if we weren't reciting a movie script.

4. It's the music of my formative years. The soundtrack enhances the movie as if it were Michael Johnson's golden shoes.


This movie won't change your life. But it will remind you of when your life was changed, and where, and why, and how.

You should see this movie. It's nice.