In “Admission,” Tina Fey plays Princeton admission counselor Portia Nathan. (Courtesy of Focus Features)

On paper, “Admisson” is a hit.

The film stars two of the industry’s biggest names, Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, and borrows its story from a critically acclaimed book.

However, on screen, “Admission” falls short of its potential as the college-admission centered storyline can’t make up its mind. Is the film a comedy? A drama? Who knows?

In the film, Fey plays Portia Nathan, a no-nonsense Princeton admission counselor whose life mirrors that of a saltine cracker; stale and bland.

However, when her boyfriend of ten years leaves her for his pregnant mistress, Fey’s world turns upside down and her normally predictable life becomes unhinged.

On top of that, a new school on Portia’s admission tour reintroduces her to a college friend, played by Paul Rudd, who believes that one of his gifted students may be Portia’s child.

How’s that for a twist.

Director Paul Weitz does his due dilligence to the material as the scenes are well-paced and well-framed.

Weitz also does a good job breaking Fey of her television acting habits as the actress comes across as a seasoned star despite spending her last seven years on the small screen.

In fact, both Fey and Rudd are at the top of their game as their on-screen chemistry is believable and genuine.

Newcomer Nat Wolff is a welcome addition to the cast. Wolff, who was a senior in high school during the film’s shoot, fits the role as an introverted, undiscovered genius.

The true triumph of “Admission” is its brutally honest portrayel of the actual college admission process.

While telling a compelling love story, the film exposes the shallow nature of college admissions and the lengths that some students and parents are willing to go to make it on the rolling green hills of an Ivy League university.

For hard core Fey fans (like me) “Admission” is a filling fix from the actress’ recent absence.

While the movie may have some identity issues, “Admission” is still a formidable rom-com perfect for a casual spring viewing.