Along Came Polly

Along Came Polly has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Foxtel Now, and in the US on Netflix. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. With 3,046 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Ben Stiller is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Start it on Foxtel Now whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Along Came Polly is worth clearing space for. Along Came Polly does what great comedies rarely manage — it is actually funny, consistently, across the whole run. Reuben Feffer is a guy who's spent his entire life playing it safe. Polly Prince is irresistible as a free-spirit who lives for the thrill of the moment. When these two comically mismatched souls collide, Reuben's world is turned upside down, as he makes an uproarious attempt to change his life from middle-of-the-road to totally-out-there. Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2004. The timing in Along Came Polly is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Along Came Polly. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Ben Stiller is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.