Along Came Polly

Starring: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, Alec Baldwin, Hank Azaria
Directed by: John Hamburg
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Box Office: $88,097,164
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary:An insurance risk analyzer, Reuben (Ben Stiller) is excellent at calculating risks and choosing the safest course of action. His life takes a turn for the worst on his honeymoon when he discovers his wife (Debra Messing) having an affair with a bizarre diving instructor (Hank Azaria). He returns home crushed, but his life takes another turn when he meets free-spirited Polly (Jennifer Aniston), a childhood friend. The two are complete opposites but form a relationship that has the slightest chance to become something more.

Review:

Tim: Along Came Polly is a surprisingly hilarious movie. I was completely shocked to find so many scenes that caused me to uncontrollably laugh out loud. I was not expected much at all from this film. While the entire plot is full of holes and the story isn't too spectacular itself, the film is funny, which counts for a great deal.

Ben Stiller is incredibly funny. He has made so many amazing comedies over the years. While this will not rank up with the best of them, its still not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon. Philip Seymour Hoffman is really great. I honestly do not care for him as an actor, but it is impossible not to like him in this film. The "I sharted" scene is one of the single funniest scenes I've seen in the last five years. The rest of the cast is decent at best. Jennifer Debra Messing is wasted in her small, thankless role. Hank Azaria is decently funny.

I really didn't like the casting of Jennifer Aniston as Polly. Sure, she has some skill as an actor, but she was just so unbelievable in the role. She just isn't too likeable or enjoyable to watch on screen. The film desperately needs her star power, but the movie would have been better with a different leading lady.

The biggest disappointment has to be the relative lack of romance to be found in this film. It is supposed to be a romantic comedy, but fails completely in the former. Along Came Polly has its memorable and funny scenes, but it ultimately fails in the story telling and realism aspects. However, if you can let go of your belief for two hours (as I was able to with this film), I think you will enjoy it far better than you originally thought.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



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