Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
Peter Highman must scramble across the US in five days to be present for the birth of his first child. He gets off to a bad start when his wallet and luggage are stolen, and put on the 'no-fly' list. Peter embarks on a terrifying journey when he accepts a ride from an actor.
Due Date is a serviceable road-trip buddy comedy that leans heavily on the well-worn odd-couple formula. The plot is predictable and derivative, borrowing liberally from Planes, Trains and Automobiles without matching its emotional depth. Acting is a genuine highlight—Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis generate real chemistry and both commit fully to their roles, elevating middling material. Cinematography is functional but unremarkable, with standard road-movie visual grammar. Novelty is low; the premise and execution feel familiar, and the film offers little that distinguishes it beyond its cast. The ending delivers a modest emotional payoff that works better than expected given the lightweight setup, giving it a slight edge.