Introduction Along Came Polly
"Along Came Polly" is a 2004 American comedy film directed by Jay Roach, starring Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston. The film tells the story of Polly Prince (Jennifer Aniston), a free-spirited woman who becomes involved with her boyfriend's family after they are killed in an airplane accident. Her boyfriend, Rick (Ben Stiller), is initially hesitant to introduce his new girlfriend to his family due to their strict and traditional views. However, when Polly arrives at the family's mansion for Thanksgiving dinner, she quickly wins over the hearts of Rick's eccentric relatives, including his mother, Sylvia (Blythe Danner), and his father, Morris (Hank Azaria). As Polly becomes a part of the family, she begins to unravel their secrets and confronts them with her own unconventional lifestyle. The film is an adaptation of the 1961 British comedy "How I Won the War," which was itself inspired by the 1954 novel "The Gazebo" by Samson Raphaelson. However, the plot has been significantly altered for American audiences, with a more contemporary setting and a greater emphasis on the romantic relationships between characters. "Along Came Polly" received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release but has since become a cult classic, thanks in part to its witty dialogue and memorable performances from its cast. The film is often cited as one of Ben Stiller's best works outside of his "Zoolander" franchise, and it remains a beloved holiday comedy among fans of romantic comedies.
Plot and Themes Along Came Polly
"Around the World in 80 Days" is a comedy film released in 2004. The movie stars Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan, and Cécile de France. The story revolves around Phileas Fogg (played by Jackie Chan), a wealthy entrepreneur who makes a bet with his rival, Lord Thomas Randolph (played by Jim Broadbent), that he can travel around the world in 80 days. He is accompanied on his journey by Passepartout (played by Steve Coogan), his loyal valet. The plot follows their adventures as they face various challenges and obstacles while traveling across the globe. Along the way, Fogg falls in love with a French woman named Monique de Fleury (played by Cécile de France). Throughout the movie, themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance are explored. The characters must work together to overcome their differences and achieve their goal. Overall, "Around the World in 80 Days" is an entertaining and lighthearted film that combines action, adventure, and romance with a dash of humor.
Performance and Direction Along Came Polly
"Along Came Polly" is a 2004 American comedy film directed by Jay Roach and written by Steve Martin. The film stars Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, and Alec Baldwin. **Ben Stiller as Perry Cohen**: Stiller's performance as the eccentric and naive husband was both amusing and cringe-worthy at times. His over-the-top antics added to the comedic value of the movie, but his character's lack of depth made it difficult for audiences to connect with him on a deeper level. **Jennifer Aniston as Polly Prince**: Aniston's portrayal of the free-spirited Polly was engaging and likable. She brought a sense of warmth and vulnerability to her character, making it easy for viewers to root for her. **Philip Seymour Hoffman as Dr. Larry Brand**: Hoffman's performance as the condescending doctor was outstanding. He added depth and nuance to his character, making him both comedic and despicable at the same time. **Debra Messing as Connie Allenberg**: Messing's portrayal of the manipulative and controlling wife was excellent. She brought a sense of menace and unpredictability to her character, making her a compelling presence on screen. **Alec Baldwin as Stan**: Baldwin's performance as the shallow and arrogant husband was memorable. He added a level of sophistication and charm to his character, making him both entertaining and infuriating at times. **Jay Roach's direction**: Roach's direction was competent but uninspired. The pacing of the film was uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on for too long. The film's tone was also inconsistent, veering wildly from slapstick comedy to sentimental drama. Overall, while "Along Came Polly" had its moments, it was ultimately a forgettable film that relied too heavily on slapstick humor and shallow characters. The performances of the cast were strong, but they were not enough to save the movie from its overall lack of depth and coherence.
Technical Aspects Along Came Polly
"Along Came Polly" is a 2004 American romantic comedy film directed by Jay Roach. Here are some technical details about the movie: 1. Cinematography: The film was shot using a combination of digital and 35mm film cameras. The cinematographer, Peter Deming, used a mix of handheld shots and Steadicam to create a sense of intimacy and realism in the characters' interactions. 2. Sound Design: The sound design for "Along Came Polly" was handled by John Kraus and Michael Minkler. They used a combination of location recordings and post-production mixing to create a naturalistic soundtrack that complements the on-screen action. 3. Visual Effects: The film features minimal visual effects, as it is primarily a romantic comedy with little emphasis on sci-fi or fantasy elements. However, there are some CGI shots of the characters' fantasies and daydreams that were added in post-production. 4. Editing: The editing for "Along Came Polly" was done by Jon Poll. He used a mix of fast-paced cuts during the more comedic moments and longer takes during the romantic scenes to create a sense of tension and release. 5. Art Direction: The production design team, led by Richard Hoover, created a range of environments for the characters to inhabit. From Ben's high-stress office job to Polly's laid-back lifestyle, each setting is designed to reflect the personality and circumstances of its inhabitants.
More Details Along Came Polly
"Along Came Polly" is a 2004 American romantic comedy film directed by John Hamburg and starring Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. **Cast:** * Ben Stiller as Reuben Feffer * Jennifer Aniston as Polly Prince * Philip Seymour Hoffman as Claude * Alec Baldwin as Stan Hindleman * Janeane Garofalo as Janine * Owen Wilson as Sandy * William Hurt as Jim **Production Companies:** * Universal Pictures * Tribeca Productions * Cohen Media Group **Interesting Trivia:** 1. The film's title "Along Came Polly" is a play on the phrase "along came Jones," which was popularized in the 1920s by vaudeville performers. 2. Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston were both married at the time of filming, with Stiller being married to Christine Taylor and Aniston being married to Brad Pitt. 3. The film's soundtrack features a number of songs from various artists, including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and The Beach Boys. 4. Philip Seymour Hoffman was cast in the role of Claude after Hamburg had seen him perform on stage in "Long Day's Journey Into Night" at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. 5. Ben Stiller also co-wrote the screenplay for the film with John Hamburg. 6. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2004 and was released in theaters on December 17, 2004. 7. Jennifer Aniston's character, Polly Prince, is named after a type of flower that her husband gives her as a gift. 8. Ben Stiller has stated in interviews that he based his character, Reuben Feffer, on his own experiences with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 9. The film was shot on location in New York City and features several notable landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. 10. "Along Came Polly" received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of Stiller and Aniston as well as Hoffman's supporting role.
Conclusion Along Came Polly
"Along Came Polly" is a comedy that brings to life the whimsical world of eccentric billionaire, Harriet Partridge (played by Diane Keaton), who has inherited her father's eccentricities and wealth, as well as his penchant for dramatic entrances. On one hand, "Along Came Polly" does an excellent job in showcasing Diane Keaton's comedic talents. Her over-the-top performances and reactions are often laugh-out-loud moments that keep the audience entertained throughout the film. The supporting cast also brings their A-game, with Billy Crystal delivering a solid performance as the lovable but awkward Reilly Dale. On the other hand, "Along Came Polly" has some glaring weaknesses. The plot is predictable and feels overly long at times, with scenes dragging on longer than they need to. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel like caricatures rather than fully fleshed-out people, which can make it difficult to connect with them on an emotional level. Despite these shortcomings, "Along Came Polly" remains a delightful watch due to its colorful characters and witty dialogue. If you're looking for a lighthearted comedy that will have you laughing and maybe even nodding your head in recognition at the absurdity of life, then this film is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some eye-rolling at the more cringe-worthy moments.