Iffy for 16+
Less raunchy than Hangover, but still edgy, mature.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this odd-couple roadtrip comedy from the director of The Hangover -- which stars Hangover break-out Zach Galifianakis -- isn't as raunchy as its predecessor but comes from the same irreverent, test-the-boundaries school of humor. Expect plenty of swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), a somewhat explicit masturbation gag (nothing is shown, but sounds are audible), and a fair helping of mean-spirited jokes. One character uses marijuana (ostensibly to treat his glaucoma), once while driving. In the end, the salty humor comes with a helping of heart, but this is still most age-appropriate for older teens and up.
- Families can talk about the movie's boundary-pushing humor involving sex, drugs, etc. Is the film condoning or glorifying this kind of behavior?
- Why do you think opposites-attract storylines are so popular, especially in roadtrip comedies? How does this film compare to others in the genre?
- What do Peter and Ethan learn from each other? Does the film ultimately have a positive message?
The good stuff
-
Messages: All of the characters behave badly at times -- and there are plenty of mean-spirited jokes -- but in the end, the two leads find a way to appreciate each other's uniqueness and eccentricities. There's also some exploration of the way that fathers influence sons and how sons can either follow in their father's footsteps or forge their own way.
-
Role models: Though he does undergo a transformation in the end, Peter has a quick temper, which sometimes leads him to lash out verbally and physically. Ethan stretches the truth and is prone to wild mood shifts, but he does have a big heart.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Car accidents result in injuries. A man with anger-management issues gets into arguments with almost everyone thanks to his haughty demeanor. He and a new acquaintance get into fisticuffs over all sorts of issues.
-
Sex: A man masturbates next to another character who's sleeping; no genitals are seen, but telltale sounds are audible. Later, there's some discussion about the benefits of masturbation. Discussion about women's body parts; a character muses about the fidelity of someone else's wife.
-
Language: Frequent use of words like "f--k," "s--t," and "son of a bitch." Also "t--ties," "ass," "a--hole," "goddamn," "oh my God," and homophobic slurs.
-
Consumerism: Signs/logos visible for National, Alamo, Delta Air, Comfort Inn, Waffle House, Toyota.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: A character uses a pipe to smoke weed while driving. Earlier in the film, an airport officer finds another one of the same character's pipes. He's also shown buying marijuana from a dealer and discussing its properties as if it were premium coffee.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
As an avid RDJ fan.... by lovestalentmoviefan
...through everything....I had to see this right away. Extremely viewable movie,without getting on your nerves,the way some movies of this genre can do. It did not try to be The Hangover,it brought out quite a few of both lead actors' abilities,and gave me some laugh out loud moments,as few comedies do anymore. Not too crude,just a little....paced perfectly,just a nice combination of wit,feeling and fun. Not a MUST for theater viewing,but not a waste of money either. I will see again. And buy everything RDJ!
5
You won't be able to stop laughing by Hardkhour
From the start of the movie it was just one joke after another. Robert Downey Jr's "straight man" worked very well with Zach Galifanakis's absurd humor. The story is not anything that new (Anyone still remember "Trains, planes and automobiles"), but the antics are unexpected and very well delivered! You are guaranteed to have a good time as the movie is just flat out hilarious.
4
Tons of fun! by keatsgirl
But,boyfriend and I both agree,and would like to know...seriously...is anyone else out there tired of masturbation scenes on the big screen?
5
WOULD SEE IT AGAIN AND AGAIN! by pilar02803
FIrst of all, I am going to say that if you thought Zach's character in the Hangover was funny, then you'll LOVEEE this movie. If not, don't waste your time. That being said, I have NEVERR laughed so hard in my life!! I thought it was hysterical, and Robert Downey Jr. and Zach G. made a great combo. I was surprised that it was kinda heartwarming too! Great message. I loved it! The only thing I'd delete was the masturbation scene--totally unnecessary. The rest = awesome!
5
Unlikely pairing + excellent chemistry = Great Comedy! by wnied
Wife dragged me kicking and screaming to this movie. My first thought was that Downey Jr & Galifinakas would make for "Will Ferrell-esque," extended awkward moment comedic timing. Turns out my instincts were dead wrong. Galifinakas turns on the heat from their very first meeting, and Downey Jr responds as the angry, time challenged, travelling architect, whose patience wear more and more thin.
5
Due Date by willi?sly
The movie started as an average comedy. About 30 - 40 minutes into the movie, it took off and was so funny that I laughed so hard I cried! I recomend this movie!
4
Funny at points by Johnny_Hell
This movie started off pretty boring, but as it went along it got better. Your basically on the road the whole way through the movie but its still funny. Some parts are disturbing but its not disturbing through the whole movie. I'd recommend seeing this movie if you need a good laugh. The movie seems to drag on and on because the whole driving scenes seems to be boring. They should of added different scenes in this movie to make it more enjoyable. Overall I liked this movie and you should go see it cause it was it funny parts and its boring parts.
5
due date by seraphine
Very heartfelt with a great minded comedic sense to it. I cried and laughed the whole way through.