Humor Check: “Due Date”

By Mia Sitts

April 29, 2021

If you’re looking for an unpredictable comedy while the movie theaters are closed, “Due Date”, directed by Todd Phillips, includes humorous and inappropriate jokes that will guarantee a laugh.

Released in November of 2010, it was nominated for “MTV’s Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance”. The character combinations and dark humor will leave you wanting more movies with the pairing of Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galianfakis. I hope you can handle the overwhelming amount of jokes and sarcasm.

Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is an uptight, irritable, architect trying to make it back home to L.A. for the birth of his child. Ethan Tremblay, a.k.a. Hollywood (Zach Galianfakis), is a bizarre, pothead who is an aspiring actor. After an incident at the airport lands them both on the no-fly list, we follow them on their road trip across the country. One has no patience and one has no common sense, what could possibly go wrong?

With no luggage or wallet, Peter agrees to join Ethan and his French bulldog, Sonny, as they attempt to make it to L.A. in five days. Peter’s patience is pushed as Ethan causes run ins with the Mexican police, fights with a handicapped veteran and spends almost all their money on marijuana. However, Peter gradually becomes accepting of Ethan toward the end of the movie, revealing a more emotional connection between the two.

Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis are two actors who are known for their different acting styles. Galifianakis is known for his inappropriate and humorous roles in movies such as the “Hangover”. Robert Downey Jr. has starred in many Marvel movies and is known for his snarky humor and sarcasm. The pair is ideal together and sometimes make you forget that they’re. .. The clash of the characters’ personalities is complemented by the contrasting acting styles of the two actors, and it will leave you wanting more from the man-child/impatient babysitter duo.

The writing for “Due Date” could not have been better. The two polar opposites stuck in the car together for days resulted in endless comedic bickering. It almost felt unscripted. Ethan’s lack of any knowledge and his immature personality caused plenty of enraged commentary from Peter. You won’t get enough of Peter’s defensiveness or Ethan’s foolishness. However, the movie isn’t just endless jokes. When they weren’t taunting each other they enjoyed some heartfelt moments. They share stories about their dads and have a few good laughs together. They ultimately end up experiencing true friendship that neither one of them ever had.

This is not your average road trip, and nothing goes smoothly, so buckle up and prepare for the ride with Peter, Ethan and Sonny. 5 out of 5 stars. Due Date is rated R. Run Time: 95 minutes