by Donald Lind

Created on: January 22, 2011

“Well, at least nobody keeps repeating ‘Are we there yet?’”

Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis star in “Due Date,” Todd Philips’ follow-up to his mega-smash “The Hangover.”  It follows the tried and true formula of the buddy road trip movie as the two spend most of the running time trying their best not to rip each others’ throats out, and in the end ultimately bond.

The most obvious inspiration for this film comes from the 1987 John Hughes classic “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” arguably the greatest road trip movie ever made.  The story for “Due Date” echoes “Planes,” all the way down to recognizable actors in minor cameos.  But the main story is just about identical as an uptight business man very reluctantly rides along with his obnoxious companion until he learns to loosen up and identify with the little weirdo.  That is what they should do in theory, but a weaker script and suspect characterization make their eventual bond less believable.

Downey plays Los Angeles architect Peter Highman, who is in Atlanta on a business trip.  He is due home to meet his pregnant wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan), who will be giving birth to their first born child in about five days’ time.  An unfortunate run-in with a grating individual (Galifianakis) at the airport leads to the two being kicked off their flight and placed on the no-fly list.  Oh, and Peter’s bags, along with his wallet stayed on the flight home, so he has no way to purchase additional transportation.

Fortunately for Peter (or unfortunately, depending on your point of view), the same freak that cost him his flight has a rental car and is willing to offer a ride.  The guy, whose name is Ethan Tremblay, an aspiring actor, is headed out west to seek work on television - particularly a guest spot on “Two and a Half Men” - and to scatter the cremated remains of his father at the Grand Canyon.  And so they’re off on an adventure to get Peter home to his wife and expected child.  That is, if their wacky side trips don’t kill them first.

With the comedian Galifianakis and a master of dry, sarcastic wit it Downey as the leads, it is impossible for “Due Date” not to have its share of laughs.  A handful are quite good, if nowhere near the riotous insanity of “The Hangover.”  The problem comes from the

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