By Chase Stevens ’12
THE ROUNDUP

What happens when you mix up Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis and a long road trip?

A mediocre movie.

“Due Date” is the story of Peter Highman, played by Robert Downey Jr., trying to cross the country to be present for the birth of his first child.

Problems arise when he has a conversation with Ethan Tremblay, played by Zach Galifianakis, on the plane about terrorists and bombs, which leads to both Peter and Ethan being kicked off the flight.

After their removal from the plane, they are put on the no-fly list and in order to get to Los Angeles in time for the birth of his child, Peter must take a road trip across the country with Ethan.

Most of the comedy comes from the interactions between Downey Jr. and Galifianakis. Peter is a fairly normal and respectable man, while Ethan is an aspiring actor who acts as if he is a seven-year-old.

While the film has the potential to be hilarious, it falls short.

There are funny bits here and there, but most of the plot is not that funny. The few funny jokes that are in the movie are too spread out to make it truly comedic.

This is one of those movies where most of the funny bits are in the trailers.

Too many of the funny bits come from Galifianakis himself. While he is talented, the director overuses his trademark weird guy persona for funny moments.
It would’ve have been nicer to see other, talented actors, like Robert Downey Jr. or Jamie Foxx have more of a comedic role.

All in all, the movie is okay. If you are in the mood for an okay comedy that has a few good laughs in it, then “Due Date” is right up your alley.

I would rate the movie “Due Date” two and a half stars out of five.