“Along Came Polly”: A Comedy of Errors and Embracing the Unexpected
John Hamburg’s “Along Came Polly” is a lighthearted comedy about a down-to-earth, unpretentious woman who’s also honest and surprisingly clever, with a knack for dancing. Hamburg, known for his writing on “Meet the Parents,” makes his directorial debut under the guidance of producer Danny DeVito. While the film’s budget might not scream blockbuster, it’s sure to turn a profit.
The movie puts a modern, feminist spin on the classic “good things come from bad” trope, using a chance encounter as its catalyst. Instead of the bride being left at the altar, it’s Ben Stiller’s groom who gets dumped, opening the door for some popular psychology. Ben, a risk assessment expert, had been courting his bride (Debra Messing) for five years, bought a house, and whisked her away on a romantic getaway, feeling 100% secure. Little did he know, she’d fall for a beach instructor (Hank Azaria) at first sight, drawn to his carefree attitude. After catching them in a compromising situation, Ben returns home to his lonely routine of arranging and rearranging the countless pillows his bride had bought. By chance, he runs into Polly (Jennifer Aniston), a former classmate, and is instantly drawn to her. But Polly lives life without a safety net – no husband, no house, just an old, half-blind ferret. This sets up a clash of lifestyles. Ben wants marriage, a settled life, and a wife who doesn’t dance with other men, while Polly craves travel, casual flirting, and no strings attached. Of course, after a series of obstacles, Aniston teaches Stiller to embrace “dirty dancing,” pillow fights, and even a nude beach stroll. And her last name is “Prince,” fittingly enough.
Humor and Heart: A Balancing Act
The film is clever in its comedic simplicity, highlighting the inherent fearfulness of men and exploring its roots. It’s also entertaining, thanks to the traditional American humor, including some toilet humor (Stiller’s character has stomach issues). However, the film struggles to balance its psychological insights with its desire for cheap laughs. While Stiller’s overweight best friend (Philip Seymour Hoffman), his sleazy boss (a heavily made-up Alec Baldwin), a fearless billionaire (Bryan Brown), and his Jewish parents are all amusing, their individual storylines don’t connect to the main plot, creating a sense of clutter. The film touches on various male fears and complexes, but it doesn’t fully explore why the fear of being abandoned takes center stage.
Missed Potential, but Still Enjoyable
The film’s lack of depth is evident in Stiller’s quick infatuation with Aniston, whom he barely remembers. Perhaps Stiller’s acting is to blame, or maybe he just wasn’t given enough to work with. The ferret, on the other hand, steals the show. The star-studded cast and a few visual gags can’t mask the fact that the material could have been funnier and more impactful. Nevertheless, “Along Came Polly” offers a lighthearted and mindless escape, with moments that shine. Azaria is great, the bride resembles Ingrid Bergman, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s singing is a highlight, and the director’s approach of subtly hinting at things is effective for generating laughs.