Director Todd Phillips' follow-up to smash-hit The Hangover.
Peter (Robert Downey Jr.) is an expectant first-time father whose wife's due date is a mere five days away. Racing to get home to Los Angeles from Atlanta to see it all happen, his best intentions go completely awry and he's forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (The Hangover's beardy-man Zach Galifianakis). Their cross-country road trip will ultimately destroy several cars, numerous friendships and Peter's last nerve.
It seemed from the outset that Todd Phillips may have gotten cracking on Due Date so quickly as a distraction from following up the hugely successful The Hangover and the rush kinda shows. That’s disappointing, because on paper the pairing of Robert Downey Jr and Zack Galifianakis is inspired, though there’s no need to guess which one is the angry straight man and who’s the stoner not-so-straight man-child. The relationship between these characters is the core of the film, which steals a whole bunch of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles to put them in as many high-stress situations, and share as much screen time, as possible.
The problem is that neither of the two are particularly well-developed, with Downey Jr playing an unlikeable and scarcely believable arsehole, whose inevitable conversion to being an actual human with feelings is too little, too late, and too trite. Typical for many comedies, he manages to somehow have a smoking-hot wife (Michelle Monaghan) who has somehow overlooked the fact that he’s a prick to the extent that she has actually allowed him to impregnate her in defiance of all common sense.
Then there’s Galifianakis, largely wasted here and not in a good way; his typically physical presence muted in favour of off-kilter camp – something that may well have worked if Due Date didn’t desperately need some more over-the-top humour. That’s really the biggest problem, and a surprising one – not nearly enough laughs to work well, let alone forgive its faults.
By Steve Newall, Flicks.co.nz
Two stars. One for Robert Downey Jr. and one for Zach Galifianakis. Yup, the casting gets two stars. These two are great fun to watch. But other than the casting of the leads? Well, sadly it's predictable ODD COUPLE territory and you've seen it all before - right down to the ashes of a cremated relative (BIG LEBOWSKI anyone?) Anyway I enjoyed seeing Zach wind up Robert - it was fun but far far far from original or brilliantly funny - just, well, um... fun. I guess it passes the time before you die... Sort of like THE ENGLISH PATIENT but less excruciating. But then if you, like me, find Zach Galifianakis funny - see it. You could do much much worse (and yes, I do mean HANGOVER 2)...
This movie was a typical American movie - big on the physical comedy, but with very few witticisms and a dull script. I didn't laugh once in the whole film. Planes, Trains and Automobiles was awesome. This movie isn't a patch on that film.
I was so disappointed in this movie, especially coming from Todd Phillips who did so well with The Hangover. The pairing of RDJ and Zach Galifianakis could have worked so well but RDJ was so mean it just wasn't funny.
Expected a bit more from this movie. Got sick of the constant character conflict. Not to say it didnt have its hilarious moments. Just would of rather rented on dvd than pay for admission.
This movie is very funny if you like to laugh at tragic situations. I have not seen a movie that made me laugh this much for a long time. Roll On Hangover 2.
Due Date is nearly a down-market retread of the great comedy "Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Another Hangover was too much to hope for, especially as this was scripted by committee. It's a bit funny but also quite a bit nasty.
This new comedy from the Hangover director, with Robert Downey Jr and Zach Galifianakis on a road trip together, is a decidedly mixed bag, says Peter Bradshaw
Due Date doesn't begin to rival "Hangover" for inventiveness or hilarity. But the sharp comic instincts and contrasting styles of the stars, who never are offscreen, keep the film alive despite the setup's aggravations and familiarity.
Due Date is watchable and will probably make a serious dent at the box office, but unlike The Hangover it isn’t re-watchable. We’ve seen both stars here before and we’ll definitely see Galifianakis here again. A smattering of funny moments and a lack of anything truly detestable make it a comedy about a journey probably best to be enjoyed while on a journey yourself.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 25th Nov 2010.
Release date: November 25th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
