Is Admission Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Admission is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 107 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Admission Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Admission emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Straitlaced Princeton University admissions officer Portia Nathan is caught off-guard when she makes a recruiting visit to an alternative high school overseen by her former classmate, the freewheeling John Pressman. Unlike standard genre fare, Admission attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Admission features a noteworthy lineup led by Tina Fey . Supported by the likes of Ann Harada and Ben Levin , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Admission (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Admission Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Admission is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Straitlaced Princeton University admissions officer Portia Nathan is caught off-guard when she makes a recruiting visit to an alternative high school overseen by her former classmate, the freewheeling John Pressman. Pressman has surmised that Jeremiah, his gifted yet very unconventional student, might well be the son that Portia secretly gave up for adoption many years ago. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Admission Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Admission attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Admission reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Admission?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Admission Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $13.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Admission Budget
The estimated production budget for Admission is $13.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Admission
- Tina Fey – Portia Nathan
- Ann Harada – Mrs. Lafont
- Ben Levin – Junior Lafont
- Dan Levy – James
- Maggie Keenan-Bolger – Girl on Tour
Top Highlights
Tina FeyPortia Nathan
Ann HaradaMrs. Lafont
Ben LevinJunior Lafont
Dan LevyJames
Maggie Keenan-BolgerGirl on Tour
Gloria ReubenCorinne
Paul RuddJohn Pressman
Wallace ShawnClarence
Elaine KussackAbby
Christopher Evan WelchBrandt
Where to Watch Admission Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstar🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Admission is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Admission stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Admission movie hit or flop?
Admission has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Admission worth watching?
Admission is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Admission online?
Admission is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar. You can also check for it on platforms like JioHotstar depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Admission
How Admission Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Admission
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Tina Fey
Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration
Celebrating Betty White: America's Golden Girl
Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love