Funny but uneven, “Due Date” showcases surprisingly dark material from director Todd Phillips (“Old School,” “The Hangover”). Although it boasts an impressive cast and some inspired set pieces, “Due Date” also heavily relies on undeniably mean humor. Though these crass gags can be unsettling and offensive, they’re also frequently hilarious.
The premise owes more than a nod to “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Irritable, sarcastic architect Peter (Robert Downey Jr.) is about to fly home for his expecting wife’s delivery. However, after an encounter with a brainless wannabe-actor (Zach Galifianakis) lands them both on the no-fly list, they’re forced to drive across the country together. The casting director deserves a gold star for orchestrating this comedic mishmash.
Downey Jr. is pitch-perfect as the increasingly agitated protagonist. Galifianakis is the main reason to see the movie, expanding on his star-making turn from “The Hangover.” Whether the jokes hit or miss, the comically edgy relationship between the leads keeps the laughs coming.
But there are several notable problems. Plot holes accumulate and the shtick begins to wear thin as the narrative continues. Some forced ninth-inning sentimentality is agonizingly cloying, particularly at odds with the mean humor featured throughout.
Nonetheless, the laughs are frequent and the leads are fantastic. Particularly at the comedy-starved multiplex, “Due Date” delivers.
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
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