While the concept of “Due Date” is nothing new (two of the most unlikely people stuck together on a cross-country trip), the movie stands out as one of the better genre films due to its dynamic characters, spot-on humor, and the fact that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Directed by Todd Phillips, of “The Hangover” fame, it is filled with many awkward moments, highly unlikely scenarios and memorable scenes.

Peter Highman, played by Robert Downey, Jr., is under a lot of stress with the birth of his child just five days away. The problem is that he is stuck in Atlanta after Ethan Tremblay, played by Zach Galifianakis, gets Highman involved in a misunderstanding that lands him on a no-fly list. With his wallet and belongings supposedly on a thousand-mile flight, Peter has no choice but to accept Ethan’s offer of a ride to Los Angeles.

The two’s personalities cannot be any different. Peter is a short fuse that is often triggered by Ethan’s willful ignorance and altered sense of decency. This tension makes for some of the movie’s funniest moments, as Ethan’s ineptitude only further enrages Peter and pushes him to the edge. Laws are broken, boundaries are crossed, and an unforgettable trip ensues.

While his performance doesn’t quite match the sheer brilliance of his comedic turn in “Tropic Thunder,” Downey delivers a performance that shows that he’s just as good an actor in comedies as he is in dramas. He encapsulates the stressed-out worrywart-type with grace, exhibiting reluctant constraint in between his anger outbursts.

Meanwhile, Galifianakis delivers the majority of the punch lines with his impeccable comedic timing and off-kilter delivery. He can make even the most socially awkward characters lovable, something that has become his trademark since his breakout role in “The Hangover.”

While it’s not the best comedy to come out in the last few years, it’s a bit predictable in spots and some of the scenes drag on a little, “Due Date” is ultimately a hilarious road trip movie that will keep you laughing long after it’s over.