Due Date Movie Review

Driving across the country with Zach Galifianakis would be an utter nightmare if he was anything like the character he plays in "Due Date," Ethan Tremblay. Peter Highman, played by costar Robert Downey Jr., probably should have even received an award after being in a car with Ethan from Atlanta to L.A., since the hilarity that ensued was usually at his (painful) expense.

After an unfortunate start in his mission to get back home for the birth of his first child, Peter finds himself in a helpless position when he has to hitch a ride with Ethan—the reason why he was kicked off the plane in the first place. Ethan, a heavily bearded man with an equally obnoxious perm, is Peter's seemingly only hope to get to L.A. after he loses his wallet at the airport and succumbs to Ethan's offer. But this is no regular road trip.

Ethan's awkward—and sometimes flamboyant—nature makes him quite the character; his reason for traveling to L.A. is to become an actor, specifically on the show and his inspiration, "Two And a Half Men" (enough said). His condition of glaucoma sparks a constant need for medical marijuana, leading to an exceptionally odd, but hilarious, scene where Peter ends up under the influence—something that as a Robert Downey Jr. fan, I just couldn't get over.

But there's a touch of dark humor in the movie: Ethan not only carries his pet bulldog around in a tote, but also keeps the ashes of his dead father in a coffee can. Absurdities like these, along with Ethan's allergy to waffles, pretty much make up most of the movie's scenes. However, Peter sympathizes for Ethan in his lonely state and ends up feeling responsible for helping him say goodbye to his father.

Ethan's need for a companion during his time of loss and Peter's expectancy of a baby with his wife ultimately allow them to create a dysfunctional friendship. After all, how can you resist calling the person you were involved with in a high-speed police chase and accidental gunshot your best friend?

Despite my interest in the strangely funny plot, I send a message to future viewers: this movie is not for those who can't stand humor that is lewd, crude, and downright intense. There were certainly times when I was surprised that both characters were still alive. But for viewers with a backbone, "Due Date" will give the phrase, "You better check yourself before you wreck yourself". a whole new meaning.