Along Came Polly — the contemporary classic rom-com featuring an all-star ensemble including Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Debra Messing, Alec Baldwin, and Philip Seymour Hoffman — premiered 20 years ago on January 16, 2004. The memorable story follows Actuary Reuben Feffer, who is so aware of all life’s risks that he is virtually paralyzed by uncertainty and fear. Though all seems well on the matrimonial surface, his wife, Lisa Kramer (Messing), cheats on him during their honeymoon. When he returns to New York City, his best friend (Baldwin) convinces him to attend a party, where he meets the free-spirited and spontaneous Polly, whose ways spark an attraction yet threaten his reliable neuroticism. He’s an excessive hand sanitizer. She owns a ferret. He’s prepared for everything. She forgets to replace the toilet paper roll.
Blending comedy with drama — while showcasing why we must embrace change and imperfections — Along Came Polly portrayed relationships in a more realistic way than remains customary of the grand gesture genre. It quickly became a genre staple, defining norms with its quirky characters and unexpected plot twists. So, on the 20th anniversary of the beloved film, let’s look back on some of the rom-com’s most memorable quotes.
“Risk-averse people can’t experience life.”
“There’s a ferret in my boot!”
“Just go with it, man. Enjoy the ride.”
“I’m not a seafood person. I like to order things that die in the woods.”
“Life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead.”
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens… fuck that shit!”
“Polly, am I too needy? Are you losing interest in me? Do you find me annoying?”
“I’m a big fan of 20th-century fiction, and I see us starting a new chapter together.”
“You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.”
“I’m gonna die alone. I’m gonna be found three weeks later half-eaten by wild dogs.”
“So I just ended a four-and-a-half-year relationship, and I need to be with someone different.”
“We’re not really here, man. This is a hologram.”
“You can’t make every decision based on whether or not someone might get hurt.”
“Love is not a sprint; it’s a marathon, a relentless pursuit that only ends when she falls into your arms… or hits you with the pepper spray.”
“You’ve gotta love this city. You’ve got to love this town. London, London, London. More people, cool.”
“I’m an ‘in-the-moment’ kind of person.”
“You can’t analyze this like a play. It’s real life.”
“He’s like a young John Stamos with a hint of Latino.”
“I have no response to that.”
“Sometimes your face looks like it’s had a stroke.
