Due Date (2010)

 

Rated: R

Genre: Comedy

Info: Official Website

Directed By: Todd Phillips

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan

Go see “Due Date”. Period.

If that wasn’t enough to convince you to head out to your local theater, then here’s a review:

“Due Date” follows successful architect, Peter Highman (Downey Jr.), as he attempts to travel across the United States, and arrive on time to witness the birth of his first child. Plans fail from the get-go, due to aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis). After a brief run in, Highman and Tremblay accidentally switch luggage at the airport. Highman is questioned by security after they find a marijuana pipe in his bag. The bag is confiscated, and he is allowed clearance onto the plane. Tremblay is moved from economy class to first class, positioning him directly behind Highman. Highman, wanting nothing to do with Tremblay, attempts to keep to himself. These efforts are unsuccessful, and soon lead to an argument between the two men. The argument ends when Highman is shot with a rubber bullet by an air marshal, and both men are put on the “Do Not Fly” list.

Having lost his wallet in the luggage that is still on the plane, Highman is left with no other option than to hitch a ride with Tremblay, who has rented a vehicle. Hilarity ensues.

The combination of Todd Phillips and Zach Galifianakis have done it again, this time with a road film. Take the magic formula: Oddball Galifianakis; straight laced Robert Downey Jr.; multiple angles of a French bulldog; constant drug use; and one difficult journey. You’re looking at the perfect comedy. Downey Jr.’s character is a bit of a prick, but understandably, as Galifianakis almost gets the two of them killed multiple times. Galifianakis, on the other hand, is a lovable loser. He is traveling to Los Angelos to become an actor, and on the way, he plans to spread his father’s ashes (which he keeps in a coffee can).

So, take this perfect comedic formula, and add the following instances: Robert Downey Jr. punching an annoying child in the stomach; Galifianakis masturbating in the car, while Robert Downey Jr. yells at him; both men accidentally driving through the Mexican border with narcotics in their vehicle; Jamie Foxx accidentally making cups of coffee out of Galifianakis’ father’s ashes (and the three men drinking them); and many, MANY more.

Now, keeping these formula and instances in mind, and add a human aspect. Galifianakis dupes Downey Jr. into traveling with him, simply because he does not want to be alone. The death of his father is an underlying theme for the entire movie, yet it is not too deeply explored, in order to keep the comedy flowing. There are notable parts that tug at your heartstrings: Galifiankis in “actor-mode”, pretending to be on the phone with an imaginary wife, who is divorcing him; and the spreading of his father’s ashes. These scenes are saddening, but are very welcome in this film, because they are necessary and effective.

The casting was spot on. Perfect. This comedy duo cannot be replicated. The writing and dialogue is clever and witty, and the actors’ delivery on every line is flawless. Not a single moment of this movie drags, the screen will hold your attention the entire way through. “Due Date” is the must-see comedy of the year!

Convinced? Go see this movie.

5 Knocks out of 5