Reviewed by Daniel Rutledge
Whether or not you’ll like Due Date is basically a question of whether or not you like Zach Galifianakis. This really is his movie and it’s hugely impressive just how much he steals the show from veteran A-lister Robert Downey Jr.
Galifianakis plays Ethan, a childish idiot with a heart of gold, much like his character Alan in The Hangover. Downey Jr plays Peter, a highly strung businessman expecting his first child.
Due to Ethan’s foolishness, the pair is kicked off a New York to LA flight and despite how much Peter clearly despises Ethan, they end up having to make the journey together by car. Predictably, Ethan’s way of looking at the world eventually melts Peter’s stone cold heart and the pair become buddies, with lots of funniness happening along the way.
In spite of the seen-it-all-before storyline, I was giggling constantly and occasionally belly-laughing uncontrollably during Due Date. There are several great cameos from Danny McBride, Jamie Foxx, the RZA, Juliette Lewis and director Phillips himself.
Some really brilliant music is also used well in the film, especially the poignant use of Neil Young and an amazing Pink Floyd stoner segment.
There are a few gags that don’t work as well as they should and the story is fairly basic, but Due Date is still a great comedy that comes recommended.
Due Date
:: Director: Todd Phillips
:: Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Zach Galifianakis
:: Running Time: 100 mins
:: Rating: R16 - contains violence, offensive language, drug use and sex scenes
:: Release Date: November 25, 2010
:: Trailer: Watch here
