Synopsis
Due Date is a 2010 film that is a blend of comedy, character development, and improvisation in a strangled sequence of events that unfold on a journey across America. Released in 2010, this film is a result of a collaboration between Todd Phillip, known for The Hangover Trilogy, and Robert Downey Jr. They were able to craft a film that is chaotic in the blend of Roncom and Slapstick while still possessing a story that is worth investing in.
Robert Downey Jr. plays Peter Highman, an architect in a time-crunch to arrive at a scheduled birth for his first child. Galifianakis, on the other hand, plays the socially awkward but highly humorous Ethan Tremblay. To ride the journey to Los Angeles, Peter a highly aggravated man, is forced to ride on the very same flight as Ethan.
At the onset of the film, Peter is untimately grounded at the Atlanta airport alongside Ethan Tremblay due to the flight ban imposed on Peter. To add to the woes, the security at the airport, due to the untamed nature of Galifianakis and the deadpan humor of Robert, decides to add Peter to the “no-fly list”. The hilarious yet aggravating irony lies in the point where he ends up losing his bag, wallet, and a means to purchase a car or a cab to the hotel.
Although Peter is hesitant, Ethan is generous enough to give him a lift to Los Angeles in a rented car. Unwillingly, this marks the beginning of a cross-country road trip gone wrong as they encounter twisted, outrageous behavior and life-threatening situations along the way. Mistaken identities, car crashes, drug busts, and even detours to the Mexican border are all examples of the conflict the duo must persist through.
On the other hand, Ethan, who refuses to part with a dog named Sonny and a can of his father’s ashes, is socially oblivious and eccentric. Unlike him, Peter is the aggressive and cynical character who is anxious about missing out on the birth of his child. The heartwarming and funny moments of the film blend together in the comical clash of the two men’s personalities.
Ethan and Peter’s road trip encourage them to acknowledge their flaws. Peter, the more emotionally rigid man, slowly starts to reassess his judgmental tendencies, while Ethan attempts to earn his friendship and validation. Even as Peter frequently lashes out, he gradually starts to accept Ethan as a friend and not as an obstacle. Irrespective of the chaos bound to them, the two men are gradually coming closer through their misadventures, such as feigning law enforcement and a not-so-accidental Grand Canyon trip.
The climax occurs when Peter, following a series of outbursts and betrayals, finally unpacks his fears surrounding fatherhood, and the dread of failing as a father. In a courageous and reconciling final gesture, Ethan aids Peter in reaching the hospital in time for the delivery. The film wraps up in a warm yet comedic tone with Peter now a father and Ethan enjoying a glimpse of the fame he desperately desires, appearing on the show he idolized throughout the film, Two and a Half Men.
Cast and Crew
Robert Downey Jr. as Peter Highman brings a tightly wound intensity to the role. Best known for his incredibly fast and sharp dialogues and use of facial expressions, and the use of sharp dialogues, he evokes his trademark wit to a character who is first cold and elitist, and over time reveals emotional depth. His performance for Peter brings both edge and relatability which makes his evolution throughout the film rewarding.
As Ethan Tremblay, who goes by Ethan Chase, Zach Galifianakis gives a performance that walks the line between tenderness and absurdity. In this film, Galifianakis offers even more than the offbeat charm he showcased in The Hangover by adding layers of vulnerability. Rather than a caricature, Ethan is someone who is quirky in a way that is a little annoying but largely endearing because of the humanity Galifianakis gives him.
Michelle Monaghan’s short but impactful role as Sarah Highman, Peter’s pregnant wife, grounds the film by adding emotional heft that informs Peter’s motivations. Monaghan’s calm, patient disposition is a welcome contrast to the chaos of the road trip.
Equally funny but in a different way to the cast previously mentioned, Juliette Lewis and Danny McBride make short but impactful appearances. Lewis is a Ethan’s marijuana supplier, while McBride plays a Western Union employee in a wheelchair who violently assaults Peter in one of the film’s many dark slapstick moments.
Todd Phillips directed the film, co-writing the script with Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland, and Adam Sztykiel. Phillips is known for his blend of crudeness, outrageous situations, and surprise tenderness. He manages to keep the pacing brisk by weaving emotionally grounded moments in between the absurdist scenarios.Critical Reception and IMDb Ratings
The current IMDb rating for Due Date sits at 6.5 out of 10. Even though it’s not a dominating success, the film has received mixed to average reviews, with many spectators cherishing the odd couple’s relationship and the hilarious parts.
Reviews appeared to be mixed. Some to review Downey Jr. and Galifianakis appreciated how they blended together, and how they were able to make the film work with the contrasts. The film’s physical comedy has been considered to fall into the category of kick ass road trip comedies like, Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Though a large group of people bashed the film claiming it focused solely on attempts of shocking comedy or the use of ridiculous scenarios. Some people did not like the film and the closeness it had to the “two strangers on a road trip” idea. The feeling changes within the comedy and sentiment received mixed reviews, with some critics finding them balanced.
Private reviews it seems grew more positive, and more supportive. Many seemed to like how Galifianakis portrayed a character who is awkward, with Downey Jr. performing as a comical character undergoing realistic change. The delivery of the leads was especially was considered to be effective the more juvenile the humor.
On a commercial level, Due Date was successful as a box office hit. The film grossed more than $210 million worldwide, outpacing its production budget of roughly $65 million. As expected, the star power of both Downey Jr. and Galifianakis—who were enjoying career highs—was a winning combination.
Final Thoughts
Due Date has a chaotic, uncomfortable, and often humorous perspective on the human propensity to dysfunction when under pressure. The film uses a premise that highlights discomfort and explores friendship, trust, and growth through the friction of its two lead characters. The story, though heavy with outlandish humor, touches on themes of vulnerability, loneliness, and the fear of change.
What sets Due Date apart from other buddy comedies is the film’s star cast and the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis. Their performances, while based in comedy, display emotional depth and develop a surprising friendship that gives the movie a bittersweet feel. Because of the film’s chaos, viewers often forget the careful emotional structure Todd Phillips’s direction provides underneath the humor.
Due Date may not be winning any awards, but it provides everything it promises with a wild ride packed with unforgettable characters, cringeworthy laughs, and a sprinkle of genuineness. This movie is a reminder that the most impactful journey is the one that is completely unplanned.
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