Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself. Director/Writer Paul Weitz (About a Boy, In Good Company) based on his Track Record, really knows how to tug on our heartstrings and even more so he knows how to make us laugh. His latest effort Admission continues his fascination with unconventional Families and true to form, his biggest Fans will be delighted.
At the heart of this College Coming of Age Story (ironically not centered on a College Student) is Harvard University Admissions Officer named Portia (Tina Fey), whom after 15 years at her job, is in the running for a major promotion. Her world changes one day while canvassing an Alternative High School, where she runs into John (Paul Rudd), whom she knew from College and now is a Teacher. There she meets the intellegent, albeit quirky Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), whom John champions to her as being Harvard-worthy. After realizing that Jeremiah could well be the Son she gave up for adoption while she was in College, Portia becomes fixated on getting him into the School, despite a spotty Academic Record.
Portia also works at reconciling her rocky relationship with Mother Susannah (Lily Tomlin), although that is by no means an easy task with years of hardened animosity between them. All the while, Portia‘s passionless relationship with Mark (Michael Sheen) comes to an end right as she reunites with John, developing into a Romance amidst times of confusion for her. Both John and Jeremiah help trigger a rebirth in perspective for Portia, but with a serious conflict of interest looming, at what price will this come to professionally for her?
Admission showcases Fey as an Actress in addition to being a Comedienne, giving it her all. Her defining moment comes late where she really emotes in being forced to fight for Jeremiah, growing into the person she was meant to be. And sniffles could be heard. Also, it amazes me that we have had to wait this long for what seems like the perfect onscreen pairing of Fey and Rudd – we love them separately and even more so we love them together. Comedic Legend Tomlin delivers some of the Film’s biggest laughs, being the irrepressible and outspoken Antithesis to Fey.
Weitz successfully transitions Admission from what on paper could have been a generic RomCom, seamlessly shifting its Tone into something meaningful and sweet. Despite a few moments where the Story veers a little too far from logic perhaps (basically, never trust a Photocopy!), the Ending feels authentic and we leave content with Portia‘s Journey to Self-Discovery.
eOne Films releases Admission on March 22, 2013.
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