Zach Galifianakis is not a new kid on the block. In fact, for years before his Hangover fame Zach was the stand-up comedian that all the stand-up comedians went and saw. Fast forward a few years and you can not go to the cinema without seeing his child-like face smiling back at you. But now Galifianakis is returning to his mainstream roots with Todd Phillips and shares the screen with Robert Downey Jr. in Due Date.
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Peter Highman (Downey Jr.) is a high-strung expecting father who is away from his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) on business in Atlanta, Georgia. While trying to get home to Los Angeles, Peter meets Ethan (Galifianakis), a strange guy who dreams of landing a role on the show Two and a Half Men. After a misunderstanding between the two men and the airline employees, Peter is arrested by the on-board air marshal.
Now Peter is on the no-fly list. His luggage is currently en route to LAX. His driver’s license is also on the plane. How is Peter supposed to make it back in time for the birth of his child on friday? In comes Ethan, who is also on the no-fly list, and offers to take Peter to L.A.
What starts out as an annoying road trip for Peter soon turn into a full-blown nightmare from hell. Some events include meeting a drug dealer (the brilliant Juliette Lewis), getting into a car accident, stealing a Mexican Federales truck, and more. Will Ethan get Peter home in one piece and on time?
For those expecting the shenanigans and absurdity of The Hangover, you will be disappointed. Even though this film is funny, it does not have that same type of format. None the less, Due Date is a good film to check out. The comedy for the most part is top-notch and there are even a few serious scenes that will pull on at least one heart string.
As usual, Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic as the hot-headed Peter. His comedic timing is exceptional and is the perfect balance to Galifianakis’s Ethan. Michelle Monaghan and Juliette Lewis have strong characters and should have received more screen time somehow. And the rest of the supporting cast is great as well, including cameos by Jamie Foxx and Danny McBride.
In truth, Due Date never does reach it’s full potential. But it’s still not one to pass up. If you are thinking of going to the cinema this weekend, keep Due Date in mind for a bit of adult comedy.
Verdict: SEE IT!
*Special thanks to my mum for sharing this cinematic adventure with me.
So what about it, are you going to see Due Date any time soon? What did you think? Leave your comments and opinions below.
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