Due Date: A Comedy of Errors with a Side of Baby Drama
Picture this: you’re a first-time dad, your wife is about to pop, and you’re just five days away from a life-changing event. Sounds easy, right? Wrong! Enter Peter Highman, our anxious hero, who seems to have the worst luck since the invention of the slapstick comedy. He’s played by Robert Downey Jr., who, as we all know, is a master at portraying stressed-out characters. And boy, does he stress out!
So, Peter is trying to catch a flight back to Atlanta in time for his wife’s delivery. But before he can even say “I’m going to be a dad,” he encounters Ethan Tremblay, played by the ever-quirky Zach Galifianakis, who has the charisma of a confused puppy and the driving skills of a blindfolded raccoon. Ethan, who’s on his own journey to Hollywood fame (spoiler: he’s not going to make it), inadvertently turns Peter’s straightforward trip into a cross-country disaster.
Things kick off when Peter’s getting ready to board his flight. He’s all set until he has a run-in with Ethan at the airport, which results in Peter being placed on the no-fly list. Yep, that’s right! One little misunderstanding involving a suitcase, a few choice words, and a lot of bad luck, and suddenly Peter’s on a road trip he never signed up for.
Now, you’d think that a simple car ride would be the least of Peter’s worries, but with Ethan as his travel buddy, it’s like signing up for a roller coaster ride designed by a toddler. The duo hits the road in a borrowed car that’s more of a rolling circus than a vehicle. From a dog named “Mr. Chow” (who has a knack for causing chaos) to a series of unfortunate events that include a run-in with the law, a near-death experience involving a roadside diner, and a very awkward encounter with a couple of hitchhikers, it’s a miracle Peter doesn’t lose his mind—or his hair!
As they drive through various states, we get to witness some classic comedy gold. There’s a scene where Ethan decides to help Peter unwind by lighting up a little something-something. Spoiler alert: it does not help, and they end up in a hilariously absurd situation that you wouldn’t believe even if you saw it. And let’s not forget the heartwarming moments where Peter, despite his frustration, starts to bond with the lovable goofball. Who knew that getting stranded in a broken-down car could lead to such profound life lessons?
Eventually, after more mishaps than you can count, they arrive just in time for the big moment. But not without a few final twists that will have you laughing and shaking your head in disbelief. Peter finally makes it to the hospital, but not before realizing he’s developed a strange fondness for Ethan, who has somehow managed to turn Peter’s life upside down in the most chaotic and unexpected ways.
In the end, Due Date is not just a tale of road trip misadventures; it’s a story about friendship, unexpected bonding, and the realization that sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination. So, if you’re looking for a film that delivers laughs, heart, and a whole lot of “what just happened?”, this is the one to add to your watchlist.
And remember, folks, if you ever find yourself needing a ride to the hospital, just make sure your travel buddy isn’t a wannabe actor with a penchant for chaos. Trust me on that!