Writer: Lorraine Tan

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Watch this if you liked: “Crazy, Stupid, Love”, “Bridesmaids” and “I Love You, Man”

Based on the novel written by Jean Hanff Korelitz, this light-hearted romantic comedy stars Tina Fey, who plays Portia Nathan, an admissions officer from the prestigious and highly regarded Princeton University. While making visits to various schools to promote the university, she meets a teacher from one of the schools, John Pressman (Paul Rudd) and his student prodigy, Jeremiah Balakian (Nat Wolff), whom she later finds out may be her son.

The loveable and gorgeous Fey ("Mean Girls" and "Date Night") who is no stranger to comedies, churns out unexpected humorous lines and excellent chemistry with Rudd as Portia, despite this being their first collaboration together. In this film, we see a more serious side of Fey, in a more motherly role, as she desperately tries to bend the rules so she can get her "son" into Princeton University. It is definitely something that all parents can relate closely to.

44-year-old actor Rudd ("The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Dinner For Schmucks"), plays John, Portia's love interest. You might find yourself falling in love with this charming actor after watching this movie. Attractive, mature and gentlemanly, he is every woman's dream guy.

Not forgetting the comic legend, Lily Tomlin who plays Portia's independent mother, Susannah. Her effortless humour and perfect comedic timing is what draws the audience in and makes them look forward to her next scene. One of the more memorable and hilarious scenes is the conversation between Susannah and John's mother, which seems natural and unplanned.

This film touches on the different approaches of parenting and the kind of sacrifices parents make for their children. The relevance to Asians' attitude towards university admissions, anxiety and stress that parents and students deal with in the process is also why this film is worth a watch if you are looking for a light but heartfelt movie to watch. As for the big question, is there a secret to getting into a prestigious university? You just have to watch the movie to find out.

Cinema Online, 19 April 2013