Along Came Polly

Some would say that life is all about taking chances. Not Reuben Feffer (Stiller); a man who calculates risks for a living and is consumed with fears about his own safety every minute of every day. Somehow he finds someone willing to marry him. Unfortunately, on the first day of the honeymoon, his new bride cheats on him with a horny scuba instructor (Azaria). Feffer cannot believe that someone whose world is about getting things right manages to get something so wrong. But, who would’ve thought, along comes Polly! A former schoolmate turned free spirit, she allows Feffer to have a chance at living life all over again. Over several dates, Polly (Aniston) teaches him how to have fun, and jokes based around toilets and spanking ensue. When Feffer’s wife returns, he has to make the hardest decision of his life: return to her or risk everything for Polly.

Stiller once again has teamed up with the creators of the comedy hits There’s Something about Mary and Meet the Parents, and this movie is no exception. The humour is still at the unsophisticated gross-out level that the other two used so well, and this is clearly Stiller’s forte. There is great chemistry between the leads and credit should be given to Aniston as she finally escapes the typecasting she has been trapped within up till now. Azaria shines (or rather, moons) as the nudist Frenchman, but the star bringing the most laughs is Polly’s visually-impaired ferret.

The romance may be quite predictable, but with a few twists and turns on the way, you’ll be shocked, entertained and delightfully appalled at the lengths the cast go to for laughs. The supporting cast of weird and wonderful personas add to the film; especially Reuben’s best friend (Hoffman) as an ego-centric once famous ‘star’ believing himself to be capable of playing both leads in the production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

If you want a good comedy, Along Came Polly will make you laugh the whole way through. It seems a Stiller movie is Stiller good way to spend an evening.

Phil Lurie