“Due Date” is conceived as another chance to showcase the unique comic stylings of “Hangover’s” bearded breakout star Zach Galifianakis. And in that sense, which is reason enough for his fans, today’s buddy/road comedy works. His hilariously frustrating free-spirit persona, honed in the aforementioned 2009 blockbuster, pops off the screen again as offset by the ideal foil.
Though often more the instigator than the butt of the joke, Robert Downey Jr., uses classic deadpan and comedic timing to play the Type-A yuppie victim of the Galifianakis mojo. They make for a magical Hollywood match-up out of Hope-Crosby heaven.
That’s the good news.
Less effective: the actual vehicle that puts them together on a cross-country romp with a deadline. A forced series of premises and events keeps this odd couple together on the highways from Atlanta to Los Angeles. But it speaks to the strength of the headliners that limited raw material still seems so funny and engaging.
Director-producer-co-scripter Todd Phillips, the filmmaker who discovered Galifianakis for “Hangover,” doesn’t concern himself nearly as much with story logic, originality or cohesiveness this time around. A specialist in R-rated farce, Phillips has an eye for talent and ear for biting quips and for just how far to push adult-oriented gags. But this casual effort peters out as the plot gets more outrageous in the third act.
The piece is an uncredited, more hip reworking of 1987’s John Hughes perennial “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Downey as Peter has the Steve Martin function, the straight-man who needs to get home fast. In this case, Peter’s wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is about to give birth. Meanwhile, taking the oblivious John Candy role, Galifianakis is wacky aspiring actor Ethan, an accidental obstacle at every turn.
After coincidences and bad luck, thanks to stranger Ethan at the Atlanta airport, Peter is forced off their plane to L.A. and on to the “no-fly” list without his wallet. The expectant father has no choice put to accept a ride with the pot-smoking, self-pleasuring, irresponsible — but ultimately lovable — cause of his nightmare.
They get pummeled bloody by a wheelchair-bound veteran, tormented by Mexican border police, and treated to coffee (made by Jamie Foxx in a cameo) from the ashes of Ethan’s recently deceased father. Call it a bonding experience for a “Due Date” that eventually has a heart, and a testament to the importance of star power.
