Navigating the Challenges of Freshman Year: A Guide for Success
Benji (Mason Thames), Eddie (Ramon Reed), Connor (Raphael Alejandro), and Koosh (Bardia Seiri) may not be the big shots at their school. They are not exactly outsiders either, just navigating through their daily lives. However, they go unnoticed by most of their peers. Determined to change this, the four friends aspire to be cool and popular, especially with the girls. They come up with a plan to make a splash at the biggest high school party of the year and climb the social hierarchy. But things don’t go as planned, and their aspirations to be the life of the party take unexpected turns…
A Light-hearted Affair
Laughter is the key! Netflix seems to believe in this mantra, as they have released several comedies this month in rapid succession to engage their audience. The trend began with two action comedies, such as The Union starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, where an ordinary construction worker gets entangled in a spy mission. In the French film Nice Girls, two mismatched policewomen pursue the killer of a colleague. In Incoming, the focus is on four boys striving to be popular and cool at a high school party.
The premise may remind viewers of the 2012 hit film Project X, where ordinary students try to boost their popularity through a party, only to face unexpected consequences. However, Incoming takes a more restrained approach. While mishaps occur, including damage to a car’s interior and a painful experience, the film does not escalate to the chaos seen in its predecessor. The intention here is different, aiming for a more light-hearted and relatable narrative.
A Missed Opportunity
Directed and written by the Chernin brothers, who have worked on acclaimed series like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Mick, Incoming delves into coming-of-age themes. At times, the film channels the spirit of 1980s teen comedies, promising a nostalgic appeal. With the involvement of producer Nicholas Stoller, known for his work on successful comedies, expectations are high. However, the film falls short of being both genuinely funny and insightful about its characters.
Throughout the narrative, Incoming feels somewhat inconsequential, lacking a lasting impact. This is disappointing considering the talented and charismatic cast, which makes spending time with them enjoyable. However, the film fails to distinguish itself from similar offerings in the genre. While it touches on themes of adolescence, it lacks the depth and wit needed to elevate it above average status. In comparison to recent coming-of-age films like Dìdi, Incoming falls short of leaving a lasting impression.
In Summary
Despite the potential and talent involved, Incoming ultimately delivers as a mediocre genre entry. While it surpasses some recent Netflix comedies, it fails to offer anything substantial for viewers to invest their time in. The US production may entertain for a brief moment, but it lacks the impact and creativity to stand out in a crowded comedy landscape.
Overall, Incoming’s blend of humor and coming-of-age themes may resonate with some viewers, but it fails to leave a lasting impact. With a talented cast and experienced filmmakers at the helm, the film falls short of delivering a truly memorable experience. As a light-hearted comedy, Incoming offers moments of entertainment but lacks the depth and originality to set it apart from its peers in the genre.
Credits:
Title: Incoming
Country: USA
Year: 2024
Directors: Dave Chernin, John Chernin
Writers: Dave Chernin, John Chernin
Music: Jonathan Sadoff
Cinematography: Ricardo Diaz
Cast: Mason Thames, Ramon Reed, Raphael Alejandro, Isabella Ferreira, Bardia Seiri, Loren Gray, Ali Gallo, Scott MacArthur, Thomas Barbusca, Kaitlin Olson, Bobby Cannavale
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