History Film / DueDate

''Due Date'', starring Creator/RobertDowneyJr and Zach Galifianakis, is a 2010 comedy about two men trying to get to Hollywo... er, Los Angeles. Peter Highman (Downey) is a rather [[HairTriggerTemper ill-tempered]] man, because his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is about to give birth and he is trying to get back to Los Angeles in time for it and figure out what to name his soon-coming child. He meets Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) and soon gets almost arrested twice, shot by a rubber bullet and put on a No-Fly list due to using the words "bomb" and "terrorist," all thanks to being near Ethan. To make up for it, Ethan gives Peter a lift because he is going to Hollywood to become an actor. Ethan also has an interview around the same time as Peter's wife's delivery. Making the trip more difficult is the fact that Ethan seems to have never grown up and wanting to go to the Grand Canyon, Peter's inability to relax and the fact that Ethan seems unable to rub two brain cells together.

* BookDumb: Ethan. For example, he thought the Grand Canyon was in Texas and that it was artificial. Peter corrects him, saying it's in Arizona and that nature carved it.

* LethallyStupid: Ethan. Ethan! ''Ethan.'' A thousand times, '''Ethan.'''

* AmazingFreakingGrace: A version by Creator/RodStewart on the soundtrack.

* KarmaHoudini: Surprisingly, Ethan never gets arrested for smoking pot or [[spoiler:stealing a deportation officer's van to "rescue" Peter]]. In fact, he is actually rewarded by eventually getting to [[spoiler:appear on ''TwoAndAHalfMen''.]] Every single thing negative consequence of his actions lands on Peter instead.

'''''Due Date''''' is the heartwarming story of two guys with vastly differing personalities traveling together on a mishap-laden journey that will, in the end, help them both to learn more about themselves.

* SpiritualSuccessor: To ''TheHangover'', from the same director, and to ''Film/PlanesTrainsAndAutomobiles'' as both films feature an OddCouple traveling cross-country together.

* ActorAllusion: Peter has never taken drugs before (or so he claims).
** And the way he looks when [[spoiler:he and Ethan ''finally'' arrive at the hospital]] brings to mind Creator/RobertDowneyJr as Film/SherlockHolmes.
** Zach Galifianakis plays a ManChild LethallyStupid FatIdiot [[spoiler:who actually started the whole mess]]. Sounds like [[TheHangover Alan]].

* DuelingStarsMovie

* FatIdiot: Ethan
* FollowTheLeader: ''Due Date'' was frequently criticized as being just a rehash of the 1987 film ''Film/PlanesTrainsAndAutomobiles''.

* LethallyStupid: Ethan. Ethan! Ethan!!! E-T-H-A-N.
* ManChild: '''Ethan'''. He couldn't be more immature if he was an actual teenager. Peter has some emotional problems as well, although stress could explain both their issues (although since Ethan's the one causing most of the stress...).
* [[ManicPixieDreamGirl Manic Pixie Nightmare Dude]]: Also Ethan.

* TheMillstone: Ethan

* [[TheMountainsOfIllinois The Mountains Of East Texas]]: A shot shows the car passing a sign that says "Dallas - 36 miles." Cut to Peter and Ethan talking in the car with [[TheyJustDidntCare mountains passing in the background]].

* FollowTheLeader: ''Due Date'' was frequently criticized as being just a rehash of the 1987 film ''PlanesTrainsAndAutomobiles''.

* SpiritualSuccessor: To ''TheHangover'', from the same director, and to ''PlanesTrainsAndAutomobiles'' as both films feature an OddCouple traveling cross-country together.

* WholePlotReference: Many reviews called it a mean-spirited version of ''PlanesTrainsAndAutomobiles''.

* [[RepurposedPopSong Repurposed Hip-Hop Song]]: {{Ice Cube}}'s "Check Yo Self" was used in a lot of commercials. Usually around the part when Ethan quotes the song.
* RoadMovie

* BlackBestFriend: Peter's friend Darryl, played by Jamie Foxx (who happens to be Creator/RobertDowneyJr's real-life friend; they co-starred in ''TheSoloist''). In a possible parody of the MagicalNegro idea, the first half of Darryl's appearance is essentially him guiding Peter to do the right thing and help Ethan; then, after an extremely short period of time, he ends up kicking Ethan out of his house himself (to which Peter is extremely sympathetic).

'''''Due Date''''' is the heartwarming story of two guys traveling together on a journey that will, in the end, help them both to learn more about themselves.

''Due Date'', starring Creator/RobertDowneyJr and Zach Galifianakis, is a 2010 comedy about two men trying to get to Hollywo...er, Los Angeles. Peter Highman (Downey) is a rather [[HairTriggerTemper low-tempered]] man, because his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is about to give birth and he is trying to get back to Los Angeles in time for it and figure out what to name his soon-coming child. He meets Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) and soon gets almost arrested twice, shot by a rubber bullet and put on a No-Fly list due to using the words "bomb" and "terrorist," all thanks to being near Ethan. To make up for it, Ethan gives Peter a lift because he is going to Hollywood to become an actor. Ethan also has an interview around the same time as Peter's wife's delivery. Making the trip more difficult is the fact that Ethan seems to have never grown up and wanting to go to the Grand Canyon, Peter's inability to relax and the fact that Ethan seems unable to rub two brain cells together.

''Due Date'' is the heartwarming story of two guys traveling together on a journey that will, in the end, help them both to learn more about themselves.

And if you believe that, we have a bridge we'd like to sell you.

''Due Date'', starring Creator/RobertDowneyJr and Zach Galifianakis, is a comedy about two men trying to get to Hollywo...er, Los Angeles. Peter Highman (Downey) is a rather [[HairTriggerTemper low-tempered]] man, because his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is about to give birth and he is trying to get back to Los Angeles in time for it and figure out what to name his soon-coming child. He meets Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) and soon gets almost arrested twice, shot by a rubber bullet and put on a No-Fly list due to using the words "bomb" and "terrorist," all thanks to being near Ethan. To make up for it, Ethan gives Peter a lift because he is going to Hollywood to become an actor. Ethan also has an interview around the same time as Peter's wife's delivery. Making the trip more difficult is the fact that Ethan seems to have never grown up and wanting to go to the Grand Canyon, Peter's inability to relax and the fact that Ethan seems unable to rub two brain cells together.

* FollowTheLeader: ''Due Date'' was frequently criticizes as being just a rehash of the 1987 film PlanesTrainsAndAutomobiles.

* WhyDoYouHateTheDog: Though more aware of how annoying the dog is than usual, it's still played straight.

''Due Date'', starring Creator/RobertDowneyJr and Zach Galifianakis, is a comedy about two men trying to get to Hollywo... er, Los Angeles. Peter Highman (Downey) is a rather low-tempered man, because his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is about to give birth and he is trying to get back to Los Angeles in time for it and figure out what to name his soon-coming daughter. He meets Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) and soon gets almost arrested twice, shot by a rubber bullet and put on a No-Fly list due to using the words "bomb" and "terrorist," all thanks to being near Ethan. To make up for it, Ethan gives Peter a lift because he is going to Hollywood to become an actor. Ethan also has an interview around the same time as Peter's wife. Making the trip more difficult is the fact that Ethan seems to have never grown up and wanting to go to the Grand Canyon, Peter's inability to relax and the fact that Ethan seems unable to rub two brain cells together.

!!Provides Examples Of:

** And the way he looks when [[spoiler: he and Ethan ''finally'' arrive at the hospital]] brings to mind Creator/RobertDowneyJr as Film/SherlockHolmes.
** Zach Galifianakis plays a ManChild LethallyStupid FatIdiot [[spoiler: who actually started the whole mess.]] Sounds like [[TheHangover Alan.]]
* AmazingFreakingGrace: A version by Rod Stewart on the soundtrack.
* AmbiguouslyGay: Ethan, very, ''very'' much. In the Italian version he is even dubbed with a very CampGay voice.

--> '''Ethan''' [in character]: As you know, I'm your fiance. I have terminal cancer.

* BirthDeathJuxtaposition: Sort of: Peter's journey is right before the birth of his child and Ethan's is right after the death of his father.
* BlackBestFriend: Peter's friend Darryl, played by Jamie Foxx (who happens to be Robert Downey Jr's real-life friend; they co-starred in ''The Soloist''). In a possible parody of the MagicalNegro idea, the first half of Darryl's appearance is essentially him guiding Peter to do the right thing and help Ethan, and then after an extremely short period of time he ends up kicking Ethan out of his house himself (to which Peter is extremely sympathetic).

* [[BreakTheCutie Break The Dummy]]: After getting his arm broken, Peter absolutely snaps on Ethan and tears him a new one on so many levels.
* BreakTheHaughty: Every moment Peter spends in Ethan's company.

* ComicallyMissingThePoint[=/=]MathematiciansAnswer:
-->'''Peter''': Why...are your father's ashes...in a coffee can?

* DeadpanSnarker: Peter.

* EasilyForgiven: Ethan Tremblay. [[spoiler:Even when Peter kicks his ass for having had his wallet the entire time, that's a sheer fraction of what Ethan deserves.]]
* EmpatheticEnvironment: It's raining as Ethan breaks down crying during the last scene prompt.
* FatIdiot: Ethan.

** [[spoiler:There's a scene in the middle of the film where Peter gets a contact high from riding in the car with Ethan while he's doing weed. At one point, he looks over at Ethan and sees a bear, further driving the point home.]]
* HairTriggerTemper: Peter.
* HandicappedBadass: [[spoiler: The counter of the Western Union.]]

** Arguably, Ethan fits this (since his {{Jerkass}}ery is mostly attributable to being an overgrown child, and he is almost always well-intentioned).
* HilariousOuttakes: Like you wouldn't [[http://youtu.be/iKifh20ZIbA believe.]]
-->'''Robert Downey Jr.''': ''(jokingly)'' Fuck, I'm surrounded by ''dickheads''!
* HumiliationConga: The whole road trip for Peter.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Peter.
* TheJinx: Ethan.
* JugglingLoadedGuns: Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, Ethan accidently shoots Peter in the leg.

* ManChild: '''Ethan.''' He couldn't be more immature if he was an actual teenager. Peter has some emotional problems as well, although stress could explain both their issues (although since Ethan's the one causing most of the stress..).

** [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] in that Peter was also high on vicodin at the time.
* TheMillstone: Ethan.
* MoodWhiplash: Several times. The most jarring ones are when Peter challenges Ethan to act and he fails horribly until he asks him to play a football coach whose wife wants a divorce and Ethan ends up crying for real as it makes him think about his father; the second one is after [[spoiler:Darryl accidentally makes coffee out of]] his father's remains but Ethan drops the ashes while trying to recover what's left, and ends up sobbing on the carpet while Peter comforts him. Also from the heartwarming scene of scattering Ethan's dad's ashes to [[spoiler: Peter beating Ethan up for having his wallet.]]

* ParentalSubstitute: Peter is significantly more mature than Ethan and often provides fatherly comfort for him during their trip, particularly in two scenes -- when Ethan accidentally drops the ashes on the carpet and breaks down, and when he convinces Ethan to spread his father's ashes [[spoiler:in the Grand Canyon]].
* PlotHole: The film doesn't explain how Peter and Ethan got back into the United States driving a [[spoiler:stolen Mexican cop car]], ''and'' without Peter's ID.

** And if that wasn't bad enough, [[spoiler:Peter later finds out that Ethan had his wallet the whole time and kept it from him just so they would travel together. Peter responds by slamming Ethan's face into the truck and trying to strangle him]].

* SpiritualSuccessor: To ''TheHangover'', from the same director, and to ''PlanesTrainsAndAutomobiles'' as both films feature an OddCouple that is traveling cross-country together.

* UnfortunateNames: [[spoiler: Ethan names Peter's daughter Rosie. "Wait, 'Little Rosie Highman'?"]]

* WhatTheHellHero: Ethan [[spoiler: hiding Peter's wallet because he didn't want to be alone]].

* WouldHurtAChild: Peter, fairly mildly. It's played for an odd mix of shock, laughs, and [[EstablishingCharacterMoment character development]].

''Due Date'', starring RobertDowneyJr and Zach Galifianakis, is a comedy about two men trying to get to Hollywo... er, Los Angeles. Peter Highman (Downey) is a rather low-tempered man, because his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is about to give birth and he is trying to get back to Los Angeles in time for it and figure out what to name his soon-coming daughter. He meets Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) and soon gets almost arrested twice, shot by a rubber bullet and put on a No-Fly list due to using the words "bomb" and "terrorist," all thanks to being near Ethan. To make up for it, Ethan gives Peter a lift because he is going to Hollywood to become an actor. Ethan also has an interview around the same time as Peter's wife. Making the trip more difficult is the fact that Ethan seems to have never grown up and wanting to go to the Grand Canyon, Peter's inability to relax and the fact that Ethan seems unable to rub two brain cells together.

** And the way he looks when [[spoiler: he and Ethan ''finally'' arrive at the hospital]] brings to mind RobertDowneyJr as SherlockHolmes.

* TooDumbToLive: Ethan. He's nearly too dumb for [[CosmisPlaything Peter]] to live.

* YankTheDogSChain

* YankTheDogChain

** Zach Galifianakis plays a ManChild LethallyStupid Fatidiot [[spoiler: who actually started the whole mess.]] Sounds like [[TheHangover Alan.]]

** Ethan plays a ManChild LethallyStupid Fatidiot [[spoiler: who actually started the whole mess.]] Sounds like [[TheHangover Alan.]]

* HandicappedBadass

* AshesToCrashes

* BrickJoke: "What are you, some kind of girl or something?"
* ButtMonkey: Peter, Peter, Peter. Note that only some of it is actually deserved. (''Heavy'' crossover with JerkassWoobie.)

* DeadpanSnarker: Peter
* TheDitz: Quite often, Ethan acts in a cosmically stupid manner.

* KarmaHoudini: Surprisingly, Ethan never gets arrested for smoking pot or [[spoiler:stealing a deportation officer's van to "rescue" Peter]]. In fact, he is actually rewarded by eventually getting to [[spoiler:appear on ''TwoAndAHalfMen''.]]

* TheMillstone: Ethan
* MoodWhiplash: Several times. The most jarring ones are when Peter challenges Ethan to act and he fails horribly twice until he asks him to play a football coach whose wife wants a divorce and Ethan ends up crying for real as it makes him think about his father; the second one is after [[spoiler:Darryl accidentally makes coffee out of]] his father's remains but Ethan drops the ashes while trying to recover what's left, and ends up sobbing on the carpet while Peter comforts him. Also from the heartwarming scene of scattering Ethan's dad's ashes to [[spoiler: Peter beating Ethan up for having his wallet.]]

* PlotHole: The film doesn't explain how Peter and Ethan got back into the United States driving a [[spoiler:stolen Mexican cop car]], and without Peter's ID.

* RantInducingSlight: After getting put on a no-fly list; being forced to travel with Ethan, the guy who got him put on the list, and trying without success to get money transferred from his very pregnant wife, Peter explodes at the [[spoiler:Western Union employee. Said employee is a handicapped Iraq War veteran who trounces Peter.]]
** And if that wasn't bad enough, [[spoiler:Peter later finds out that Ethan had his wallet the whole time and arranged it so they would travel together. Peter responds by slamming Ethan's face into the truck and trying to strangle him]].

* SpiritualSuccessor: To ''TheHangover'', from the same director, and to ''PlanesTrainsAndAutomobiles'' as both films feature an OddCouple that are traveling cross-country together.
* StockScream: A Wilhelm Scream as Peter and Ethan are hurtling through a construction zone.
* TooDumbToLive: Ethan. He's nearly too dumb for Peter to live.