The Popkorn Junkie :: Along Came Polly

      On what should be the happiest day of his life Rueben Feffer (Ben Stiller) is unaware of the change his life is about to take. On the first day of his Honeymoon in St. Barts, Rueben’s world comes crashing down around him when he finds his wide Lisa (Debra Messing), in the throws of passion with a local diving instructor.

      Overly cautious by nature due to his work assessing risk for an insurance company, Rueben is devastated and is comforted by his friend Sandy (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), who toils as a struggling actor who clings to his shining moment of glory in a long ago teen comedy.

      In a chance encounter, Rueben encounters a former classmate named Polly (Jennifer Aniston), and becomes interested in this woman who is energetic and adventurous and very much the opposite of him socially.

      Rueben also has to contend with his latest case, finding a way to insure wealthy industrialist Leland Van Lew, (Bryan Brown), who has a penchant for swimming with Great White sharks, base jumping from skyscrapers and any extreme sport he sets his fancy upon.

      The first date between Rueben and Polly has some hilarious results and sets the stages for an unlikely and improbable relationship. Rueben has to learn to loosen up and not fear the world around him, and Polly has to learn to trust others.

      The film contains many funny moments as Rueben and Polly get to know one another and as Sandy, Leland, and Rueben’s boss Stan (Alec Baldwin) attempt to impart all manner of advice to the oft-bewildered Rueben.

      Of course the film would not be complete without some tension and this comes later in the film when a new element is dropped into the mix causing Rueben and Polly to take stock of their situation and act accordingly.

      While predictable, “Along Came Polly” is a funny and charming film that is easily enjoyable. Stiller does a great job as the in check Rueben but still finds himself generating good laughs from the most unusual circumstances. Though reserved, Stiller plays Rueben with a quiet confidence and dignity that allows the audience to root for him, as he is truly a good guy and not some pathetic sap.

      Aniston gives Polly a quirky edge that allows her to be a loving individual yet one who does not like to plan ahead and has trouble putting down roots. With Stiller, the two have some good moments though the majority of the best scenes revolve around Rueben’s efforts to impress Polly.

      Hoffman, and Brown give good supporting work and I for one wish we could have seen more of their characters. It was nice to see Brown slyly work his way through the film and he seems to be having a blast playing such an over the top character. Hoffman who has made a career out of playing losers, allows the audience to see where Sandy as an individual who is unable to escape his past and is desperate to reclaim it, though the closest he has come to acting in years is at the local community theater.

      All in all, a funny and enjoyable comedy that should make you laugh and leave you with a smile.

-- Gareth ( 3 1/2 pops out of 4 pops )

Talk about this film with other Popkorn Junkies

Other Junkie's opinions.....

Matt ( 3 out of 4 pops )

As a disclaimer, I will say please don't see this movie if you're in the mood for something of arthouse quality. It probably won't be suitable to watch this after watching something like "House of Sand and Fog." The movie basically serves it purpose as dopey romantic comedy fluff. The gags are cheap and low-brow, and you can make the argument that the bathroom gag with Ben Stiller running out of toilet paper, has been done to death. But you know what? I was laughing the whole way through, even during that scene. Stiller is an expert at this type of physical schtick--as if I had to tell anyone. He's played identical roles in "There's Something About Mary" and "Meet the Parents," and it's getting to the point where Stiller is definitely typecast, but watching him play the clumsy boyfriend is still fun. Philip Seymour Hoffman takes a departure from his usual character roles, playing the outspoken best friend. It's probably the closest to his real life persona, since he is actually quite loud and outspoken, and not the shy loser we see him as in most of his work. The plot is predictable from beginning to end, but "Along Came Polly" is worth seeing for the laughs. It definitely has many to spare.

Billy Ray ( 2 1/2 out of 4 pops )

Ben Stiller is hilarious. Jennifer Aniston is one of the most talented, charming, and gorgeous women on the planet. Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of the best character actors in Hollywood today. Hank Azaria is a comedic and dramatic genius. Alec Baldwin is -- well -- need I say more. So why was "Along Came Polly" so damn run-of-the-mill? Well, it's simple -- this type of film is played out. This was like "There's Something About Mary" meets "As Good As It Gets" and the combination did not work well. How many times are we going to have to sit through an uncomfortable bathroom scene? Even Ben Stiller is having a hard time making them unique. I did think there were a couple of really hilarious scenes, which is the only thing that saved this flick and made me give it a positive review -- the scenes that are funny are very funny. It was nice to see Philip Seymour Hoffman take this kind of role, after dominating films like "Owning Mahowny" and "Cold Mountain" this past year. And, Jennifer Aniston is full of spunk and it spills off of her. I guess my main problem with the film is that the genre is tired and ready for a rest. We need new material.