Tina Fey and Paul Rudd paired up for the first time on the big screen in their new movie, “Admission.” The comedic duo complemented each other and brought forth performances that were funny and dramatic.

The film is based on a novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz with the same title. It tells the story of a Princeton University admissions officer Portia, played by “30 Rock” star Fey. Portia is uptight and hides behind the hundreds of college applications she is given each day. Although she has a long-time boyfriend, a degree from Dartmouth and a humorous mother, played by comedian Lily Tomlin, Portia’s career still manages to dominate her life.

It is not until Portia is sent to recruit students at a unique school named “Quest” that her life begins to take a turn. While visiting she meets John, a teacher at the school played by Rudd, known for his roles in “Knocked Up” and “Role Models.” John introduces Portia to a student, Jeremiah, played by Nat Wolff, who is something of a prodigy. Although his transcripts say otherwise, Jeremiah is a genius who is deadset on getting into Princeton.

Although this scene of events may seem like nothing special to Portia, John does not let Portia leave without telling her that Jeremiah may be the son she put up for adoption in college. Now that she is forced to come to terms with her past, Portia’s life begins to change. While she is determining the future of thousands of students, she has to sort out her own past.

The film, directed by Paul Weitz, has a good balance of comedy and drama. The plot provides the drama while the characters provide the comedy. Fey and Rudd work well together. Their timing and comedic chemistry is impeccable. Both actors are known for making the same types of comedic characters that audiences love. The fact that they finally made a movie together is good news for viewers everywhere.

Wolff, most famous for his role in the Nickelodeon series “The Naked Brothers Band,” holds his own as Jeremiah. He acts next to two highly experienced actors but never seems uncomfortable or out of place.

Tomlin, Portia’s eccentric feminist mother, is nothing short of hilarious. This famous comedian makes every scene funny, amusing and witty. It was great to see Fey and Tomlin, two noteworthy female comedians, work side by side. This unusual, hysterical mother-daughter role is a privilege to watch.

The film’s plot is nothing extraordinary. There is nothing amazing about the life of a Princeton admissions officer. The performances and script are what move the film’s quality up a few notches. Once the movie is over, it is the actors and entertaining one-liners that will be talked about, while the actual story may seem like a small detail.

“Admission” is a comedic drama with a strong cast. The timing and script will no doubt leave the audience satisfied. With these attributes, it is definitely accepted as a noteworthy movie to watch.