Tagline: “Play it safe… or live a little?”
Cast:
- Ben Stiller as Reuben Feffer
- Jennifer Aniston as Polly Prince
- Philip Seymour Hoffman as Sandy Lyle
- Debra Messing as Lisa Kramer
- Alec Baldwin as Stan Indursky
- Hank Azaria as Claude
Plot Summary:
Reuben Feffer (Ben Stiller) is a cautious, risk-averse insurance analyst who lives his life by the numbers. After finally marrying his long-time girlfriend, Lisa (Debra Messing), he believes he has everything perfectly planned—until Lisa cheats on him with their scuba instructor, Claude (Hank Azaria), on their honeymoon. Devastated, Reuben returns home to New York, where his best friend, the crude and reckless Sandy Lyle (Philip Seymour Hoffman), tries to cheer him up by dragging him to a party.
There, Reuben bumps into Polly Prince (Jennifer Aniston), a free-spirited, thrill-seeking old school friend who lives life on the edge—spicy foods, exotic pets (including a blind ferret named Rodolfo), and spontaneous adventures. Despite their polar opposite personalities, Reuben finds himself drawn to her carefree attitude, and the two begin dating.
As Reuben tries to embrace Polly’s unpredictable lifestyle—dancing salsa (badly), eating dangerous foods, and skydiving—he struggles with his own neurotic tendencies. Meanwhile, Sandy gets him involved in a high-stakes basketball bet, and his boss, Stan Indursky (Alec Baldwin), pressures him to secure a major client, forcing Reuben to choose between playing it safe or taking a leap of faith.
Climax & Resolution:
After a disastrous dinner party where Reuben’s insecurities clash with Polly’s spontaneity, they break up. Reuben realizes that while he can’t live recklessly, he also can’t live without some excitement. He tracks Polly down at a travel agency where she’s planning her next adventure and declares his love, admitting he wants a balance of stability and adventure.
In the end, Reuben embraces a more open-minded approach to life, Sandy (somehow) wins his basketball bet, and Reuben and Polly set off on a new journey together—proving that sometimes, the best things in life come when you least expect them.
Why It Works:
- Hilarious Chemistry: Stiller’s signature awkwardness contrasts perfectly with Aniston’s charming, quirky energy.
- Memorable Supporting Cast: Hoffman steals scenes as the outrageous Sandy, and Baldwin delivers comedic gold as Reuben’s intense boss.
- Relatable Themes: A story about stepping out of your comfort zone and finding love in unexpected places.
Final Verdict: “Along Came Polly” is a delightful romantic comedy with heart, humor, and just the right amount of chaos—perfect for anyone who’s ever needed a little push to live life to the fullest.
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