Movie Review: Due Date

The critics have been far too harsh on “Due Date,” claiming that the performances by Robert Downy, Jr. and Zach Galifianakis were not up to their full potentials. But I beg to differ. From the first ridiculous scenes of the movie, “Due Date” delivers true comedy.

The film relies on the juxtaposition of the roles of Downy and Galifianakis, a quite unlikely duo. “Due Date” uses characters who are polar opposites just like “Cop Out” and “The Other Guys” – except that “Due Date” is immeasurably more fresh than the tired and campy slapstick jokes of Tracy Morgan and Will Ferrell.

Granted, the storyline of going on a road trip with an awful travelling partner has become a little bit tired. But the plot is not tired enough to write off “Due Date” as nothing more than a mediocre comedy.

Downy plays a high-strung and ambitious architect who wants nothing more than to get back to Los Angeles to witness the birth of his son. But, due to Galifianakis’ character’s actions, Downy is kicked off of his flight and lands himself on the no-fly list. Also, his wallet took the plane ride without him, so he is forced to ride with Galifianakis from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Somehow, Downy figured out a way to eliminate his careless attitude and most of the wit from Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes and still remain quite funny.

Galifianakis plays an unkempt and bizarre wannabe actor who aims to score a role in “Two in a Half Men.” No surprises about Galifianakis’ character – his brand of humor has nearly cornered him into playing a very particular type of role. But, in all of his successful movies, his magic relies nearly entirely on interacting with other actors. Galifianakis performs as well with Robert Downy, Jr. in “Due Date” as he did with Bradley Cooper in “The Hangover.”

Which brings me to another important factor to note about “Due Date:” it is not “The Hangover.” So, please don’t expect it to be. But, for you Galifianakis fans, hopefully “Due Date” will be able to keep your funny bone satisfied until “The Hangover Part II” comes out.

One important factor to keep in mind about “Due Date” is its attempt to fill the comedic void that 2010 has pitifully offered. With all of the incredible action and drama films released this year, the best Hollywood comedy of the year before “Due Date” was arguably “Dinner for Schmucks,” which isn’t saying very much.

Instead, 2010 has presented more movies like the pathetic attempt at cheap laughs in “Grown Ups” and the shameless and unnecessary sequel of “Get Him to the Greek.” Plus, don’t even get me started on “Furry Vengeance” with Brendan Frasier or any of these “comedies” starring Michael Cera. If either of these actors never acted in another movie, the world would undoubtedly become a much better place.

When put into the context of the other comedy flops of the past year, “Due Date” shines far brighter. My recommendation would be for any comedy connoisseur to see it at some point, if not in theaters. “Due Date” is well worth the time, especially to watch with a group of friends.

Grade: B+

Posted by Ryan Del Campo on Nov 18 2010. Filed under Features, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.