Due Date

Due Date (2010)
Directed by Todd Phillips
Length: 100 minutes
Rated R for language, drug use, and sexual content







Due Date will and has been compared to the John Hughes comedy classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; but of course, this being a Todd Phillips comedy, you should expect the intensity to be about 100 times higher. High-strung architect and expecting father Peter Highman, the great Robert Downey, Jr. (Sherlock Holmes 2, The Avengers), is forced to travel across country with aspiring actor and walking disaster Ethan Tremblay, Zach Galifianakis (Bored to Death, The Hangover 2), after being placed on the no-fly list. Gunshots, Mexican federales, crippled Iraq war veterans, and a masturbating dog all lead to some insane hi-jinks in this modern travel comedy.

Both RDJ and Galifianakis are at their best in their respective roles. Downey, Jr. as the on-edge and determined traveler works well with the oblivious and borderline insane character of Galifianakis. Both actors have expressed a desire to work together in the future, and I for one would love to see this pair together again. Though it could be argued Galifianakis is simply rehashing his character from The Hangover (and there is some validity to this point), Ethan is a much more vulnerable and wounded character that makes the audience love him in spite of his idiocy. Additionally, seeing an edgier side of Downey, Jr. is a refreshing change of pace from his Mr. Cool roles as of late (i.e. Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes).

Concerning the various scenarios both Peter and Ethan find themselves in, let's just say it gets to be a bit much. By the time you get to Peter being shot (a scene from the trailer), you will be wondering what else these two could possibly endure. But what makes the film fun also begins to edge towards detrimental after a while. Thankfully, Phillips ends the movie at the right moment, perfectly maxing out the audience's tolerance and patience.

To get the comparison out of the way, The Hangover is better; but Due Date exceeded my expectations brought on by the negative ratings from the likes of Rotten Tomatoes and various others. I left the theater entertained and satisfied, having enjoyed several good laughs. The film squarely focuses on the unlikely partnership of RDJ and Galifianakis, and I celebrate the pairing by highly recommending this movie. Not to mention, the film boasts a great soundtrack heavy on some of my favorite indie bands. Be sure to see this one sooner than later!

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Ethan Tremblay: "Dad...you were like a father to me."