Incoming movie

Incoming Review: When High School Parties Go All Wrong!

Is Netflix's new teen comedy 'Incoming' the next 'Superbad'? Spoiler: it's more like a waning comedy with a simile.

Netflix's new movie, 'Incoming,' pitches itself as a raucous teen comedy à la 'Superbad,' but sadly, potential meets its demise in a predictable brew of teenage debauchery and mediocre humor. Written and directed by Dave and John Chernin, the minds behind the cult-favorite sitcom 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', the film chronicles the antics of four freshmen determined to host the party of the year—a quest that brings nothing but chaos and cringe-worthy situations. Unfortunately, the humor fails to resonate and often feels more tired and clichéd than any high school experience.

Despite its promising premise, the film’s punchlines miss more often than they land, addressing the typical tropes of high school. Relying heavily on gross-out humor, 'Incoming' tries hard to provoke laughs while barely scraping the surface of what made 'Superbad' a genre-defining classic. Critics note that while a select few jokes occasionally earn genuine chuckles, the overall experience feels flat and lacking any real edge—leaving audiences craving the innovations that many modern comedies dare to explore.

The film is meant to evoke the nostalgic vibes of youthful rebellion, but instead winds up feeling like a tired regurgitation of jokes from the days of yore. While it captures that chaotic essence of teen parties, it struggles to differentiate itself from the countless films that have paved the way for high school comedies. The question remains: can 'Incoming' ever rise to the occasion before its credits roll, or is it destined to join the ranks of forgettable high school flops?

Interestingly, 'Incoming' features a soundtrack brimming with songs that might just keep viewers engaged, even if the film itself does not. However, many of the tunes have proven hard to identify, showcasing a missed opportunity for audible nostalgia that audiences might have found more enjoyable than the on-screen antics.

Fun Fact: Despite tackling teen themes, 'Incoming' marks yet another attempt at recreating the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of 'Superbad', which continues to hold a remarkable 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As we rethink those high school days, it’s clear that finding humor in growing pains is an art, and not every film can master it.

Moreover, with its connection to the acclaimed writers of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', viewers may wonder how 'Incoming' missed the mark. Sunny's sharp, often edgy humor set a high bar, which raises the stakes for any film hoping to recapture such spirited craziness. All said, while 'Incoming' might join a long line of epic party fails, it's a reminder that high school and college life can sometimes be stranger than fiction—but only if the comedic timing hits just right!