Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
On Quartile, Due Date scores 6.5/10 across five categories — strongest on Plot (Above Average), weakest on Cinematography (Below Average).
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.