In his 2010 comedic film Due Date, Robert Downey Jr. plays Peter Highman, a young architect navigating the chaos of planning a wedding while facing the challenge of catching a flight home to Los Angeles to meet the birth of his first child. Due Date follows the misadventures of Peter as he struggles to hitch a ride across the country and avoid getting caught by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for his upcoming marriage and impending parenthood. However, the story takes a turn for the worse when Peter's luggage is stolen, he misses his flight, and he is placed on the no-fly list, forcing him to rely on a quirky actor named Ethan (Zach Galifianakis) to provide transportation across the nation. The film explores the comedy of errors, friendship, and the trials of fatherhood.
Synopsis:
Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.), a young architect tasked with designing his first wedding, encounters complications when his wife goes into labor. With no options left but to borrow a car and rely on an eccentric actor named Ethan (Zach Galifianakis), Peter embarks on a cross-country vacation from hell. Meanwhile, Ethan's life takes a turn for the worse as he grapples with his own demons and the realization that he may be losing touch with reality. Due Date is a hilarious road trip comedy that explores the dynamics of friendship and the challenges of growing up, all set against the backdrop of a global medical crisis caused by a deadly virus.
Themes:
- The film delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bonds of camaraderie. Throughout the movie, the two protagonists, Peter and Ethan, become unlikely companions as they travel across the country, facing various obstacles and misadventures along the way. The film highlights the strength of friendship in the face of adversity and the importance of relying on others when things don't go according to plan.
- Friendship:
- One of the central themes of Due Date is the power of friendship. The movie depicts the unexpected bond that forms between Peter and Ethan, as they find themselves depending on each other during one of the darkest moments of their lives. The relationship showcases the power of shared experiences and the ability of friends to lift each other up during tough times.
- Loyalty:
- As Peter and Ethan grow closer, they learn the value of loyalty, especially when it comes to their friends and families. Despite the chaos of their journey and the misunderstandings that arise, they maintain their loyalty to one another, even when faced with challenges.
- Parenting:
- Another theme explored in Due Date is the process of fatherhood and the challenges that come with it. As Peter grapples with the realization that he is about to become a father, he also must navigate the complexities of fatherhood and learn to be a responsible parent. The film suggests that the best parenting style is one that allows for freedom, independence, and room to grow while still providing guidance和支持.
Plot:
Despite being a wedding planner for an upscale company and having all the trappings of modern convenience at his disposal, Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) struggles to connect with the excitement and energy that comes with planning a big day for his wife, Michelle. The film opens with an unexpected twist when Peter's wife goes into labor and is rushed to the hospital, leaving him no time to make his flight. As Peter sits at the airport, a mix-up with a fellow passenger results in Peter's bags being stolen, putting him on the no-fly list and leaving him with only Ethan's (Zach Galifianakis) word that he has a ticket and that the flight will be leaving on time.
Unwilling to let such an injustice stand, Ethan agrees to help Peter hitch a ride across the country to Los Angeles, in hopes of getting him through customs and onto the plane. The pair's journey is full of unexpected hijinks, including a hilarious series of mix-ups and misunderstandings. Along the way, they encounter various characters who challenge their already precarious circumstances. Ethan's chaotic antics keep the pace lively while the film pokes fun at the idioms and slang of ordinary people.
Despite the constant chaos and confusion, Peter is determined to make it home to meet his wife and child. The film follows Peter as he navigates through the chaos of his situation, finding humor in the midst of his panic and the idioms and slang of everyday life. As the journey progresses, Ethan's life starts to unravel, leading Peter to question his own decisions and the choices he's made.
Characters:
- Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.): The central protagonist of the film, Peter is a passionate architect determined to design his first wedding. Despite his best efforts, he struggles to connect with the excitement and energy that comes with planning a big day for his wife, Michelle. Through his journey, Peter learns valuable life lessons about fatherhood and the importance of relying on others.
- Ethan (Zach Galifianakis): The quirky and sometimes loony actor whose kindness provides a source of comic relief throughout the film. Ethan's unpredictable behavior and wild antics provide a stark contrast to Peter's typically staid life, making him the perfect companion for Peter's wild ride across the country.
- Michelle Highman (Michelle Monaghan): Peter's supportive wife who becomes increasingly worried and concerned as her pregnancy progresses. Her desire to celebrate their special day with their friends and family leads to comedic situations and misunderstandings.
- Frank Taylor (William Fichtner): The DEA agent tasked with helping Peter navigate through customs and onto the plane after Peter's bags are stolen and he is placed on the no-fly list.
Critical Reception:
Due Date received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film for its humor and originality, others felt that the jokes and comedic timing were too familiar, lacking the shock factor that had become associated with Robert Downey Jr.'s past work. The film currently holds a rating of 3.5 out of 5 on review aggregation website Metacritic.
**Overall, due Date is a comedy that capitalizes on Robert Downey Jr.'s knack for crafting witty dialogue and creating a sense of familiarity through his portrayal of the lovable but sometimes misguided Peter Highman."
