This post is part of a blogathon orchestrated by the amazing Jordan Dodd. It is to showcase the outstanding work of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. For me, he was an acting chameleon who could shift into any genre or any character no matter what. The performance of his that I’ve chosen to highlight is in Along Came Polly.
Along Came Polly is a film I really don’t like, it just isn’t my kind of movie at all. The focus is meant to be on Ben Stiller overcoming his wife cheating on him by beginning to date kooky Jennifer Aniston. As a film, it is weak and unconvincing but the one good thing in it is Philip Seymour Hoffman. He portrays Stiller’s best friend Sandy Lyle, a former child star who is past it but still holding onto the glory of his youth. Hoffman just brings so much enjoyable energy, geeky charm and one-liners to the part. His basketball scene in which he showcases his inability to score a single shot is hysterically funny to watch and his call for timeout is a hoot. His impassioned speech to Stiller’s colleagues after he has to step in is filled with deep humour and gift. He tries to make a comeback in Jesus Christ Superstar and still thinks the whole play is featured on him. Even though the part is supposed to just be the witty sidekick to Stiller, Hoffman makes it much more than that with hysterical results. I really can’t fault Hoffman in this film as he takes what is a really bad movie and gives it something memorable. I think I still quote certain phrases from his character here, such as “Let it rain”.
Thanks for this opportunity to do this Jordan. I really enjoyed highlighting the great work of Hoffman and this blogathon is really neat. Everyone please check out Jordan’s amazing and insightful blog as you will not regret it.
That Other Critic said:
I wonder if anyone will write about Philip Seymour Hoffman’s role in Twister…
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vinnieh said:
I’m sure someone will.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Fairly sure someone is… we’ll see!
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That Other Critic said:
I find it to be his most bizarre performance. It’s pretty odd, but I love it anyways! 🙂
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Jordan Dodd said:
I am pretty sure I haven’t seen that movie since I was 12 haha
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That Other Critic said:
Probably not worth watching again…it’s not very good. 😀
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Jordan Dodd said:
Hehe I’ll take your advice ;D
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emmakwall said:
Or as the butler in The Big Lebowski
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vinnieh said:
Hoffman could play anything he put his mind to.
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That Other Critic said:
That role is just hilarious. He’s one of my favorite characters in the movie. 🙂
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emmakwall said:
I can picture him right now standing in Mr Lebowski’s (the REAL Mr Lebowski!!) office, like a statue with his hands really really rigid. Do you know what I mean?!
And his nervous laughter over Bunny!
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That Other Critic said:
Yeah, I know what you mean. 🙂
And the laugh is hilarious. In my opinion, he’s the best butler in all of cinema.
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emmakwall said:
He is, he is!!!!! Totally agree 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Great review Vinnie. I’ve never watched this either despite it having the always wonderful Hoffman.
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vinnieh said:
He’s the only good thing in the movie, the rest of it is rubbish. Hoffman brings so much to it.
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abbiosbiston said:
This is a really dumb movie but Hoffman absolutely makes it worth watching.
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vinnieh said:
You perfectly described my feelings on this film.
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beetleypete said:
I think he worked best as a character, rather than as the star of a film. I remember his supporting roles well, and liked him in ‘Cold Mountain’, and ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’, as well as many others. Had he lived to old age, I have no doubt he would have been had some distinguished parts in films.
Best wishes, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
You are so right there Pete, he was great in so many roles.
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beetleypete said:
Sorry about the typos above by the way. Should have read ‘would have been offered some distinguished parts.’ That ‘had’ crept in all by itself, from the start of the sentence!
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vinnieh said:
Don’t worry about it Pete, I’m notorious for typos.
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Khalid at The Blazing Reel said:
Nice post, Vinnieh. PSH almost always stole the show as a supporting character.
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vinnieh said:
So true, he always did make an impact even in small roles.
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Jay said:
wow, I couldn’t have even said that he was in this one.
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vinnieh said:
Because the film is so bad a lot of people tend to forget he was in it.
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theipc said:
I remember this – I thought I liked it for the most part although I don’t really care for Stiller most of the time….
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting bro.
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theipc said:
I try!
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vinnieh said:
And I’m always grateful.
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alexraphael said:
Never been tempted to watch it. I had no idea Hoffman was in this. He really was superb. Fantastic review. You really get why he was such so loved.
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vinnieh said:
Hoffman was such an amazing actor who is really missed. Still can’t believe he is no longer with us.
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alexraphael said:
I know. Was so caught off guard when I first heard the news.
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vinnieh said:
I was the same.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Great write up Vinnie! 🙂 A great of example of him stealing the show as a side character, he has certainly done that more than a few times. I wonder if anyone will write about Capote?
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vinnieh said:
I was hugely happy to take part Jordan, glad you liked the write up.
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Mel @ The Creative Fox Den said:
I forgot Philip Seymour Hoffman was in this movie. He was so versatile. It’s too bad the world lost such an incredible talent.
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vinnieh said:
I know, he is definitely missed. What a truly talented person he was.
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Mel @ The Creative Fox Den said:
He was. It’s so sad
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vinnieh said:
It’s always a tragedy when someone so talented dies young.
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emmakwall said:
Lovely choice and post!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Emma.
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