The Barometer Online

" SRC="http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper854/thumbs/t_40081fa670093-35-1.jpg" target=new> Contributed Photo In his new romantic comedy "Along Came Polly," actor Ben Stiller continues his portrayal of a bumbling potential suitor. This time around his leading lady is Jennifer Aniston. [Click to enlarge]

"Along Came Polly" is a good romantic comedy filled with slapstick laughs and one-liners. Ben Stiller plays an insurance risk assessor, Rueben Feffer, whose honeymoon with Debra Messing goes awry. Rueben tries to regain his life and connects with an old school friend, Polly Prince, played by Jennifer Aniston.

There isn't strong chemistry between the two characters, but Ben Stiller delivers good expression and Jennifer Aniston looks great. The plot is predictable, but the movie is carried by the character development. Supporting actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who portrays Sandy, Rueben's friend and a child-actor has-been, is the funniest character. He is slovenly, delusional and it is entertaining to hear what he'll say next. Sandy has a speech in the end that would shock corporate America with its inappropriate language and poor attire.

Alec Baldwin plays the boss of Ben Stiller. He's hilarious, delivers a great accent, and is always good to see on the screen. His part is small, but he does a great job.

Jennifer Aniston is funny in her cute sort of way. She is the same person that you see in "Friends" or "Bruce Almighty." She's cuter than she is funny. Polly is a waitress with a blind ferret, and she also knows how to salsa dance. The salsa scenes are steamy and probably a high point in the movie for the male audience.

Ben Stiller's comedy style remains similar to his other movies, such as "Meet the Parents" and "There's Something about Mary," essentially repeatedly embarrassing himself.

Rueben and Polly have dates at various ethnic cuisines. Rueben neglects to tell Polly he has irritable bowl syndrome and continues to let her pick the restaurants. Stiller's character is a bit of a pushover whose sole desire is companionship. Polly's sense of style and way of life, moment to moment, is opposite to Rueben's planned existence. The two are an odd match that learn much from each other.

The movie is by no means a comical masterpiece, but it brings a few good laughs. If you have nothing else to do on Friday, go see "Along Came Polly," and you're sure to be entertained.

Deborah Zahler is a staff writer for The Daily Barometer. She can be reached at baro.campus@studentmedia.orst.edu.

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