Due Date

Imagine Planes, Trains and Automobiles had never been made back in 1988, but was filmed in 2010 instead. Due Date is the result. Brasher, louder, cruder. Better? No. However, Due Date does deliver in one sense, that of having plenty of laughs, and this is definitely a step up from Todd Phillips’ last film, the overrated and only sporadically funny The Hangover. Following a mix up on a plane Peter Higham (Robert Downey-Jr) finds himself hitching a ride with the eccentric Ethan Tremblay (Zack Galifianakis) in order to make it home on time to witness the birth of his first child. You’ll be unsurprised to hear that things don’t go smoothly, as the pair find themselves in a series of increasingly bizarre situations, usually caused by Tremblay, with the threat that Higham won’t make it to his destination in time. This isn’t a very original storyline, but Phillip’s lucks out in the fact that there is great chemistry between Downey-Jr and Galifianakis. Downey Jr’s continual looks of shock and disbelief at Galifianakis’ latest bit of odd behaviour can be recognised by all who have come across similar characters in their lifetimes. Like their journey though, the film isn’t all plain sailing. Higham is actually a bit of an arse and all your sympathy will lie with Tremblay. If Higham misses the birth, he deserves all he gets. A sub-plot involving Jamie Foxx seems crow-barred in only for the purpose of an obvious gag at the end and some may still find the overall comedy a little cruel. However, if you like this sort of thing, I don’t think you’ll be complaining too much.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Lacking the heart that would mean a higher rating, but good turns from the lead roles and more gags that hit than miss mean you should hit the road and search this out. Rating: 7/10