ADMISSION: See it

Credits:

Director:  Paul Weitz
Writer:  Karen Croner
Source Material:  novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Studio:  Focus Features

ADMISSION is about an uptight Princeton admissions officer (TINA FEY), who becomes unhinged when alternative high school teacher (PAUL RUDD) introduces her to a prospective Princeton applicant (NAT WOLFF), who could also be the son she gave up for adoption.  If Tracy Flick grew up to be an admissions officer at Princeton, she would be Tina Fey's character here.  The movie is funny, but not a straight comedy, as there are dramatic moments, TEARS even and Weitz (ABOUT A BOY) does a great job showing us Fey in rare form - dramatic.  Rudd and Fey's love story is exactly what you would expect from these two- hilarious and adorable.  Lily Tomlin plays Fey's mother, wielding feminism as a weapon, as well as for laughs throughout the pic.  Young actors, Wolff and newcomer Travaris Spears held their own against their more accomplished colleagues - another nod to the director.  If you are going to see this movie as a fan of the book, then be warned that Croner (ONE TRUE THING) took radical creative license with the material.  If you are going to see this movie as a fan of Fey and Rudd, you will not be disappointed.  The story is solid, albeit formulaic and earnest at times, it is solid nonetheless.  

See this movie in theaters if:  you have a date OR have had a long week and want to laugh at more than fart jokes OR if you want to see Tina Fey do drama OR if you just enjoy smart dialogue and Paul Rudd's comedic timing and handsome face as much as I do :)  If only car chases and things that blow up get you to the theater, you should rent / stream this one.