Making their way rapidly down the line of reporters, the stars of “Along Came Polly” didn’t have much time to get into depth about their roles, but all echoed what appeared to be the night’s mantra: “'Along Came Polly' is a great date movie.”
JENNIFER ANISTON (‘Polly’):
How would you describe Polly?
She’s just sort of just out there and free-spirited. She loves to live life on the edge, and wants to live spontaneously.
And working with Ben Stiller?
He’s the best. He’s just everything that an actress would hope for. He gives you everything.
Did you ever do anything on a date just to impress someone and have it backfire?
No, I just avoided dating all together. It was never a fun thing.
What makes “Along Came Polly” a must-see movie?
Because it’s funny and it’s fun, and it’s a great date movie.
I heard you’re not a big fan of the ferret. What happened on the set?
It bit Ben. [The trainer] said it doesn’t bite. It seemed like it didn’t have a spine or something and it curled up and did this Linda Blair-thing and bit him on the chin.
BEN STILLER (‘Reuben’):
Can you talk about what made working on “Along Came Polly” special?
All the actors were really good; I think it was a great cast. All the actors had great parts and kind of were able to raise the bar.
Why should audiences see “Along Came Polly?”
If they want to laugh. It’s a comedy with a lot of laughs, and it’s also romantic. I think it’s just fun. It’s a fun movie to go to if you’re expecting to laugh, and I think it works. Not too be too whatever, but I think it works.
HANK AZARIA (‘Claude’):
Was this movie as much fun to work on as it looks like?
I’ll tell you that Ben and I rarely got through a take without laughing.
Did you get buffed up for the film or was that already the shape you were in?
Well you know a lot of that was God-given and then some of it was enhanced at the gym. Nah, I was working out like a freak. That scares you when you read the script and you say three months until ass shown to America. [That was] really, really scary so thus you go to the gym a lot.
You pulled it off – and the accent as well.
Merci. It was dialect coach, gym, dialect coach, gym. That’s the way that went.
This film is about dating and making a good impression. Do you remember a date where you tried to impress someone and it backfired?
I had the classic date when I was much younger where you forget your wallet. That’s a lovely moment in your life. One of my first dates ever this girl said to me, “Please don’t look at me while I eat.” I went, “Oh yeah…” She said, “No, I’m serious.” So we had dinner and I had to be like Stevie Wonder, looking everywhere but her. That didn’t last.
You also have “Shattered Glass” out in theaters right now. That film has received a lot of recognition.
I think it deserves it. Billy Ray, who wrote and directed that film, did an incredible job. It’s really a great movie and I’m very proud to be part of it.
DEBRA MESSING (‘Lisa’):
You look great. How are you feeling?
I’m a little tired (laughing).
How’s the pregnancy going? How far along are you?
I’m due in spring. Everything is going as planned.
Have you received any interesting baby gifts yet?
Megan [Mullally] gave us a silver box that’s for the Tooth Fairy, for the first tooth.
Are you a big Ben Stiller fan?
I think the biggest. Maybe his mother is bigger, but you know I’ve been wanting to work with him my whole life. When this came up I was like, “Sign me up.” And he is not only an incredibly talented actor but a really kind, kind, great man.
How much of your scenes were adlibbed and how much were strictly by the script?
I would have to say that 95% of it was from the script.
How did you keep a straight face working opposite Ben Stiller and Hank Azaria?
I didn’t. We ruined a lot of takes and laughed a lot, but I think that’s why we enjoyed it so much.
What changes are in store for “Will and Grace?”
Oh gosh, there’s going to be some changing events coming on at the end of the season, but I can’t tell you because I’ll be fired (laughing). As you know, my husband Harry Connick is back in Cambodia and he’ll be returning at the end of the season. Besides that, you’ll just have to tune in.
Page 2: Interview with Jeffrey Ross
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