Admission MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: -4

Tina Fey, Paul Rudd. Comedy. Written by Karen Croner. Directed by Paul Weitz.

FILM SYNOPSIS: A Princeton admissions officer takes a professional risk after meeting a gifted college-bound student with a great mind, but bad grades. Later, because of a concerned teacher, she discovers that this school kid might be the son she gave up years ago in a secret adoption.

PREVIEW REVIEW: A clunky first act with its preposterous plot and jokes falling flat left and right may discourage viewers from remaining for the touching moments that come into play about the end of Act Two. But then again, in Act Three the treatment of mother-daughter relationships seems lame and the final attempt at humor is forced. Still, I hate to say anything negative about this comedy/drama. It’s magic when a film comes together, and although the filmmakers couldn’t quite catch it here, at least they tried to give audiences something that resembled wit and feeling.

There is a poignant statement in the film about the pain felt by a woman who gave up her child years ago. Time couldn’t squelch the guilt and remorse. And while the lead’s opinion for or against abortion is never expressed; it is evident that aborting the baby was not something this woman felt was right to do. Interestingly, filmmakers have difficulty presenting a likable movie character who has had that procedure done. Ignoring the sanctity of life only makes a screen character seem self-centered and without a moral compass.

For me, the major negative was the profane language from nearly every main cast member. The objectionable wordage seemed out of place in this romantic comedy, but then again, there are very few actors in Hollywood who know how to relate emotion without either cursing or showing irreverence to God. I like Paul Rudd and Tina Fey; they are talented and, well, likeable personalities. But too often they misuse God’s name or Christ’s in their movies.

It’s funny how my distaste for profane language seems to cause some to roll their eyes: “Phil, get over it.” A lady actually said that to me. Yet, if I were to use a negative epithet concerning someone of a different race or religion, I would justly be brought to the carpet. So, why is it okay to show disrespect for the Creator? The utterance may signal that people who profane his name over and over in movies don’t believe in God. Okay, that’s their choice, but why use profane terms if they know the words are offensive to those who do believe in God? Two reasons. Believers don’t make it known to Hollywood. And far too many in Hollywood don’t care.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Focus Features