He has earned his place through a scholarship and he must work hard to prove his worth.

It's Paul's diligence that creates his image as a loser and his obnoxious partying flatmates connive to have him kicked out of their halls.

Paul's new room is in an animal hospital, where he becomes inspired to make his time at college a success.

After all, the dorm is a ready made party venue and immediately his kudos is raised.

Near the beginning of term Paul meets a girl called Dora Diamond (Suvari), a quirky free spirit who is having a clandestine affair with their egocentric literature tutor (Kinnear).

Dora develops a close friendship with Paul when he nurses her back to health after she's slipped some drugs at a party.

Paul feels more than friendship but initially Dora does not.

Is there any chance for them to be together in this strange and cruel big world?

Directed by Amy Heckerling, Loser is a film in a similar style to her other works, which include the teen classic Clueless and Fast Times At Redmont High.

It is a teen comedy set in an American college rather than high school.

The part of Paul is played beautifully by Jason Biggs (who also portrayed the sexually unlucky Jim in American Pie).

He seems so natural with the earnest mannerisms and geeky characteristics of his hapless character.

In fact, all of the young cast in this fish-out-of-water tale produce exceptional performances in what may not be the most challenging roles but certainly showcase their talents to some degree.

This is an engaging lesson in love and losers and how the two can combine to form a beautiful relationship.