bandw Reuben (Ben Stiller) is a straitlaced risk manager who tries to calculate risk in most everything he does. We witness his marriage to Lisa (Debra Messing), but on their honeymoon things go terribly wrong and they separate. Then along comes Polly (Jennifer Aniston) who is played as a disorganized free spirit who can never make decisions. So, the setup is the clichéd one of rigid person being drawn out of his shell by carefree companion. Philip Seymour Hoffman provides a couple of laughs as Reuben's wacky friend, particularly the scene with him on the basketball court. Hoffman does seem to at least be trying rather than phoning it in, but Ben Stiller plays Reuben as Ben Stiller--he doesn't have much of a range does he? Stiller did have one good scene doing a frenetic salsa dance. Alec Baldwin seems to be there simply as a draw at the box office, since any one of a hundred actors could have played his part as Reuben's boss.There are several running gags that got old real fast, like Polly's blind pet ferret running into things, Reuben's suffering from irritable bowl syndrome, and Hoffman's falling down on hard floors. The thing that most irritated me was playing Reuben's IBS for laughs--I always have a hard time with physical or mental disabilities being played for laughs. Reuben's bowel problem was cause for a lot of unfunny bathroom humor. There was hardly a single sharp line of dialog. Seeing this movie and thinking back to the old Cary Grant/Kathryn Hepburn comedies (think "Bringing up Baby") makes me realize just how coarsened and dumbed down our culture has become.I had better stop here, further consideration my cause me to move my two star rating to one star.

Python Hyena Along Came Polly (2004): Dir: John Hamberg / Cast: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, Hank Azaria: Romantic comedy about chance and risks. Ben Stiller and Debra Messing get married and are off on their honeymoon but an invitation to go scuba diving ends in infidelity. Heart-broken Stiller tries to move on and eventually encounters old school mate Jennifer Aniston as a waitress at a party. He decides to ask her out, which leads to spicy foods that make him break out in a sweat. He also gets caught up in Latin dancing, which leaves him standing at the side. And to top it off she has a half blind ferret that bumps into everything. Director John Hamberg times the jokes perfectly and is backed by a fine cast. Stiller and Aniston have fine comedic chemistry but thankfully they are both given the background and payoff to pull this above routine. Phillip Seymour Hoffman steals scenes as a washed out actor who comes up with a vulgar term called "sharted" at a party. Messing is effective as Stiller's ex-wife who moves on to what she believes is better potential. Hank Azaria plays the hunk whom Messing cheats on Stiller for. He is a scuba instructor but apparently he instructs her in other activities. What isn't appealing is its apparent anti-marriage theme as if to say that all marriages end in infidelity. With that said this is one of the misfire comedies to come along. Score: 5 / 10

Wuchak Released in 2004, "Along Came Polly" is a romcom with emphasis on comedy starring Ben Stiller as a newlywed who breaks up with this wife (Debra Messing) on his honeymoon. Disillusioned, he runs into a woman he knew as a kid (Jennifer Aniston) and they start dating. Problems arise when the non-wife returns. Philip Seymour Hoffman is on hand as Stiller's best friend and wannabe actor while Alec Baldwin plays Stiller's boss.This is a decent comedy/romance with a few hilarious moments. Stiller is a great comedic protagonist because he's the perfect likable every-guy. Aniston and Messing are both ultra-attractive, of course, but neither of them is my type; they're just not curvy enough. However, there are a few notable curvy women in the periphery. For me, the bathroom humor is largely a turn-off because I never found that kind of humor funny, but – thankfully – it's limited to just a few scenes. Polly's near-blind ferret is lovable and amusing.The film runs 90 minutes and was shot in Hawaii, New York City and Los Angeles.GRADE: C+ or B-

Amy Adler Reuben (Ben Stiller) is a risk management analyst for a company which insures powerful executives. He is very good at his job and pleases his boss (Alec Baldwin) exceedingly. How does he miss on his choice of a marital partner? But, alas, he does. On his honeymoon, Reuben discovers his bride in a tryst with the scuba diving instructor, Claude (Hank Azaria). Back in Manhattan, heartbroken Reuben makes plans to move into the house he bought for his future wedded bliss. Soon after, Reuben is talked into going to an art show by his best friend and struggling actor, Sandy (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Lo and behold, he runs into Polly (Jennifer Aniston) who he knew long ago in high school. She's single, beautiful, and sweet. This is the instant cure he needs for his woes! Not so fast, Rube, Polly is not your match on paper. She likes spicy food, moving frequently, keeping a ferret, and supporting herself with a variety of jobs. As the supreme planner and avoider of risk, how could Polly be a long term romance for Reuben? This funny film has its moments of mirth and is satisfying in concept. Also, the cast is terrific, all, including those named above and such folks as Bryan Brown and Michele Lee. Sets and costumes are also quite nice. What is wrong with the script, my view, is that it often resorts to the most grotesque humor, bodily functions, toilet accidents, etc. Even a wonderfully happy ending doesn't erase this icky humor from the big picture. Therefore, although it is entertaining in parts, those looking for the best in romantic comedy should not get this one. Just Like Heaven, for example, is a better choice. But, this viewer concedes that some may like this one better for the very faults I list.