Incoming movie

2024 - 8 - 23

Incoming: The Netflix Comedy That Tried Too Hard (and Failed)

Chernin brothers - high school movies - Incoming movie - Netflix - Superbad - teen comedy

Is Netflix's 'Incoming' the new 'Superbad' or just a super flop? Spoiler: it’s the latter!

Netflix’s latest addition to its ever-growing catalog, ‘Incoming’, written and directed by the talented duo Dave and John Chernin from ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’, aimed to capture the magic of classic teen comedies like ‘Superbad’. However, it seems that the film didn’t quite hit the mark. The movie portrays a group of freshmen attempting to throw the party of a lifetime, hoping to gain the kind of legendary status that makes high school memorable. Unfortunately, much like that awkward dance move you thought would be a hit at prom, it ends up being a cringe-worthy flop instead.

The film showcases the typical raunchiness that high school comedies are known for, but what should be entertaining turns into a series of predictable gags that feel overly familiar. Critics have highlighted that the jokes, while at times eliciting a chuckle, often fall flat as the narrative meanders through tired clichés of teenage debauchery. Refreshingly self-aware, ‘Incoming’ tries to rattle a few proverbial cages, but ultimately it feels more like a missed opportunity than a comedic gem.

Fans of ‘Superbad’ may watch this new flick hoping for a similar experience, only to let out a long sigh of disappointment. From references that don’t quite land to gross-out humor that doesn’t feel innovative, ‘Incoming’ appears to have taken notes from every teenage comedy before it without adding any fresh perspective. The film seems to chase the silhouette of its predecessors but ends up overshadowed by its own predictability and lack of genuine laughs.

In an industry bustling with high school comedies, it’s no surprise that Netflix has opted to dive into this genre yet again. However, with a missed chance to innovate, it raises the question: can we expect anything groundbreaking from future comedies? For those holding their breath for a modern classic, ‘Incoming’ may just prove to be yet another title you’d rather skip.

Interesting fact: ‘Superbad’ was released in 2007 and has since become a cult classic, immortalizing the awkwardness of teenage life in a way that feels authentic. In comparison, ‘Incoming’ aims to recapture that essence but stumbles with stale jokes and unoriginal plotlines.

Another fun tidbit is that both the writers and creators of ‘Incoming’, Dave and John Chernin, were previously involved in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’, a show known for its clever humor and edgy themes, raising expectations for whatever they would tackle next. Unfortunately, ‘Incoming’ feels more like a missed high school reunion than a party worth attending.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Daily Beast"

'Incoming' Review: Is This Netflix Movie the Next 'Superbad'? (Daily Beast)

The new Netflix film, written and directed by two “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia” veterans, is clunky and not funny enough to withstand comparisons.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

'Incoming' Review: Not Another Teen Movie (The New York Times)

Freshman engage in some fairly predictable debauchery in this routine high school gross-out comedy streaming on Netflix.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Variety"

'Incoming' Review: Netflix High School Party Comedy Proves Edgeless (Variety)

From 'It's Always Sunny' writers Dave and John Chernin, Netflix's 'Incoming' follows four freshmen throwing a party that will change their lives.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Roger Ebert"

Incoming movie review & film summary (2024) | Roger Ebert (Roger Ebert)

The jokes are funny (sometimes, laugh-out-loud funny), mostly because they're unafraid to rattle a little—a quality that many recent comedies overeager to ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Incoming review – Netflix's Superbad-esque comedy is super unfunny (The Guardian)

Raucous teen film about out-of-control high school party never finds its footing, relying on tiresome gross-out humor.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Forbes"

Netflix's Best New Movie Wants To Be The Next 'Superbad' (Forbes)

On August 17, 2007, Superbad hit theaters. Resoundingly praised by critics (the movie currently owns an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), they instantly ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

Incoming Review: Netflix's R-Rated Teen Comedy Doesn't Want To ... (Screen Rant)

TV writers Dave & John Chernin head up this new high school set comedy that has some raunchy humor but doesn't make any innovative choices.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "What's on Netflix"

'Incoming' Movie Soundtrack: Every Song Featured (What's on Netflix)

Netflix's new raunch R-rated comedy movie has just arrived on the service and features a big soundtrack, although many of the songs are pretty hard to track ...

Explore the last week