DUE DATE
OCTOBER 31, 2010
In the day and age of stupid fumbling, bumbling comedy that has no story, it is nice to see that Hollywood in all its lack of imagination can still produce a film worth the time and money. The movie and television industry is in constant repetition mode with part four of "The Pirates Of The Caribbean" series to release next year, three versions of "CSI", two versions of "NCIS", "Law & Order" and "Criminal Minds", "The Chronicles Of Narnia" series, and "The Hangover" series. "Due Date" is refreshing with a solid story that allows the main characters, played by Robert Downy Jr. (Peter Highman) and Zach Galifianakis (Ethan Tremblay/Ethan Highman), to fully indulge their skills with blown-up personalities.
Galifianakis has been on a roll since the sad cancellation of "Tru Calling" in 2005. Although 'Davis' allowed him to play a dark character that had touches of hilarity, his humor was so hidden that until he broke out in 2009's "The Hangover", no one realized his comedic talent. Due Date is just an extension of what he is building within his portfolio. He proves his ability to quickly switch gears from comedy to drama and back to comedy before the audience knows what is happening. Throughout the film you only can wonder how much ad-lib between him and Downy was salvaged from the cutting floor and made the big screen.
Downy Jr. Has enough experience in Hollywood to pull off any character he wants to dive into. Starting with "The Pick-Up Artist", "Less Than Zero", "Chaplin", "Iron Man" and "Sherlock Holmes", his acting has more than out-weighed his personal struggles. His personal life was often played out and used as a source of constant jokes for late night talk shows. The late night circuit can be a two-sided sword where entertainers like Downy Jr. They can be invited on to promote their latest work when just the night before the host's monologue was filled with jokes at his expense.
For 95 minutes, the viewer will be completely entertained and this movie will be a great date night film. The bonus comes from the smaller but memorable roles played by Michelle Monoghan (Sarah Highman), Juliette Lewis (Heidi) and Jamie Foxx (Darryl Johnson) that put an added flare to the film. It has enough to make both man and woman happy until the ending credits.
11/29/10
RUSTY
10/31/10