Due Date

When a stressed-out architect named Peter Highman finds his plans for a timely arrival home derailed by a series of unfortunate events, his cross-country dash to be present for his child's birth becomes an unexpected, chaotic odyssey. His troubles begin at the airport, where a chance encounter with an aspiring actor leads to a misunderstanding that lands them both on a no-fly list. Suddenly grounded and with his wife Sarah due any day, Peter is forced to seek alternative transportation.

Todd Phillips, fresh off the success of The Hangover, directs this road trip comedy-drama starring Robert Downey Jr. as the increasingly exasperated Peter and Zach Galifianakis as the free-spirited, unpredictable Ethan Tremblay, the actor who inadvertently becomes Peter's travel companion. The film, produced by Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures with a reported budget of $65 million, went on to earn over $211 million worldwide. It explores the frantic journey of two vastly different personalities forced together by circumstance, navigating mishaps and escalating absurdity as Peter races against time and Ethan's eccentricities.[edit]

Peter Highman, an architect with a tightly controlled life, is on his way home to Los Angeles for the birth of his first child. His plans go awry at an Atlanta airport when he crosses paths with Ethan Tremblay, a goofy and eccentric aspiring actor. Their interaction, fueled by Peter's stress and Ethan's over-the-top reactions, results in a disturbance that gets them both banned from flying. Stranded and without his wallet or ID, Peter’s only option is to accept a ride with Ethan, who is driving to San Diego for his father's funeral. Ethan, accompanied by his dog Sonny, is the polar opposite of Peter – impulsive, emotionally volatile, and seemingly oblivious to Peter's urgent need to get home.

Their journey begins with immediate friction. Ethan's casual disregard for rules and Peter's desperate need for control set the stage for a series of escalating disasters. They face run-ins with law enforcement, a memorable stop at a diner where Ethan’s peculiar habits cause a scene, and a tense encounter with border patrol agents. Along the way, Peter learns more about Ethan's seemingly troubled past and his strained relationship with his father, though Ethan's often dramatic retellings are difficult to take at face value. Peter, meanwhile, tries desperately to stay in touch with his wife, Sarah, who is experiencing early labor pains, adding a constant ticking clock to his already agonizing trip.

The pair finds themselves in increasingly bizarre situations, including a stint driving a dodgem car and a chaotic attempt to get back on the road after their vehicle is impounded. They also encounter Darryl, an old acquaintance of Ethan's who offers a brief respite but also highlights Ethan's erratic behavior. Peter's patience is tested at every turn, as Ethan's antics range from inappropriate jokes to moments of surprising vulnerability. Despite the constant conflict and Peter's repeated attempts to ditch Ethan, a reluctant camaraderie begins to form between the two men as they endure the shared ordeal. The film meticulously builds towards Peter's desperate race to reach Los Angeles before his son's birth, with Ethan's unpredictable presence making every mile a challenge.[edit]