Gaby’s Movie Review: ‘Admission’

Tina Fey and Paul Rudd are known as two of the funniest, most charming actors in Hollywood. Their wit and likability have countless times put smiles on audiences’ faces. Having them team up for a romantic comedy sounds like something that should have happened ages ago. With Admission, we finally get that wish, seeing these two share the screen together and putting that chemistry to work. Luckily, Admission isn’t one of those dull rom-coms we’ve become too familiar with; while it is predictable, it’s still an entertaining and charming romantic dramedy.

Tina Fey plays Portia Nathan, an admissions officer at the prodigious Princeton University. It is up to her and her office to decide which prospective students are worthy of attending Princeton. Portia thinks she satisfied with her “boring” life, but things begin to change when John (Paul Rudd) suggests that she make a visit to his alternative school to meet a student he thinks the university would be interested and who might be the son she gave up for adoption years ago.

Admission is far from a bad movie. Fey and Rudd definitely elevate the material with their chemistry and screen presence. They’re just a ton of fun to see onscreen together. Could Admission be a better movie? Sure. A way better one, in fact. However, the movie had enough laughs and the right amount emotion to make it enjoyable and not very manipulative. Some of its predictability and borderline cliché moments were a little agitating though, and there is one discrepancy with the plot that doesn’t exactly make sense. The filmmaking from director Paul Weitz is decent, but he relies heavily on his witty cast.  It may not be 30 Rock the Movie, but if you compare it to Fey’s recent big screen credits, Admission is an improvement.

In addition to Fey and Rudd, Lily Tomlin and Michael Sheen have supporting roles. Tomlin plays Portia’s mother, Suzanne, and the dynamic between the two was one of my favorite things about the movie. It was funny, while feeling authentic and at the end, heartwarming. The scenes with Sheen were pure comedy.

Admission does subscribe to several rom com clichés, but the familial and relationship dynamics, along with leads Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, make this film a worthy watch. If anything, it makes me want to see Fey and Rudd tackle a truly exceptional funny film. Until then, I’m okay settling with Admission.

Rating: 6.5/10

Admission is now playing in theaters.