Incoming - A Movie Review

The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Teen Comedies

The quest for the next great adolescent comedy remains as vibrant as ever, fueled by the irresistible charm of films like "Superbad." These movies often draw inspiration from darker, single-night escapades involving hapless adults, reminiscent of the cult classic "After Hours." This relentless pursuit of comedic brilliance has enriched cinema tailored for younger audiences, giving rise to gems such as the uproariously entertaining and refreshingly sex-positive “Blockers,” the enjoyable and smart “Booksmart,” the high-energy “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” and the remarkable college comedy “Emergency” that deftly navigates themes of race, gender, and class with both humor and depth.

Introducing "Incoming": A New Contender

The latest addition to this vibrant subgenre is “Incoming,” directed and co-written by Dave and John Chernin, the creative minds behind the beloved series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Known for their sharp wit and boundary-pushing storytelling, the Chernin brothers bring these strengths to “Incoming,” making it a standout film in the realm of teen comedies. This movie not only delivers humor but also fearlessly tackles sensitive topics, offering a refreshing alternative to recent comedies that sometimes prioritize audience appeasement over genuine storytelling.

Stellar Casting Brings Characters to Life

One of “Incoming”’s greatest strengths lies in its exceptional casting. Mason Thames shines as Benjamin “Benj” Nielsen, embodying the floppy-haired charm and sincere earnestness reminiscent of ’80s teen movie heroes, akin to characters from “Adventures in Babysitting.” Benj is portrayed as a well-meaning geek harboring a crush on his sister Alyssa’s best friend, Bailey, played by the talented duo Ali Gallo and Isabella Ferreira. Their chemistry is palpable, bringing an authentic touch to the film’s romantic subplot.

Alyssa, Benj’s sister, is navigating the emotional turmoil of a recent breakup while obsessing over her nose-job makeover. Her character adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the societal pressures young people face regarding appearance and self-esteem. Alyssa’s storyline, coupled with Benj’s struggles, creates a dynamic and relatable core for the film.

Benj’s close-knit group of friends—Eddie, Connor, and Danah “Koosh” Koushani—are portrayed by Ramon Reed, Raphael Alejandro, and Bardia Seiri, respectively. Each friend has a distinct personality and challenges on the first day of school. Koosh, the affluent youth living in the shadow of his older brother, is eager to host his infamous back-to-school party, renowned for its wild festivities. In contrast, Eddie and Connor aim to keep a low profile and navigate the school year, with Connor struggling to shed a cruel nickname inflicted by bullies. The popular girl, Katrina, played by Loren Gray, becomes a focal point of their admiration and desire to fit in, driving much of the plot’s central conflict.

A Plot That Balances Chaos and Heart

The plot of “Incoming” expertly balances chaotic, high-energy moments with heartfelt, character-driven scenes. When the opportunity arises for one of Benj’s friends to attend Koosh’s party as a plus-one, Benj persuades the group to let him take the spot in hopes of impressing Bailey. This decision sets off a series of events that lead Eddie and Connor to embark on their city-wide adventure, encountering various challenges and mishaps along the way.

Meanwhile, the film introduces the character of Mr. Studebaker, a fun-loving yet irresponsible chemistry teacher, portrayed hilariously by Bobby Cannavale. Mr. Studebaker’s antics range from mildly questionable to outright inappropriate, adding another layer of humor and chaos to the storyline. His presence serves as a reminder of the often misguided nature of adult supervision in a teenager’s life, contributing to the film’s comedic and thematic elements.

The film’s true appeal, however, lies in its ensemble of young actors. Koosh’s well-meaning but often misguided attempts to impress a girl lead to a series of comedic yet insightful moments, while Benj’s endeavors to win over Bailey are both endearing and frequently thwarted. The highlight of the film is the storyline involving Connor and Eddie’s efforts to care for a drunken Katrina, showcasing their gentlemanly attempts during a tumultuous and messy night. This particular subplot not only provides ample comedic material but also offers a glimpse into the characters’ growth and moral compasses.

Authenticity and Relatability

“Incoming” adeptly balances humor with meaningful lessons, ensuring that its characters face the repercussions of their actions—whether positive or negative—without descending into preachiness. The Chernin brothers’ approach ensures that while the escapades are raunchy and uproarious, they remain grounded in real consequences. This balance allows the film to maintain a comedic edge while delivering genuine emotional resonance, making the characters’ journeys both entertaining and relatable.

The film’s authentic portrayal of adolescent experiences—such as navigating friendships, romantic interests, and personal insecurities—resonates deeply with its audience. The characters’ flaws and triumphs are depicted in a way that feels genuine, allowing viewers to connect with them on a personal level.

Visuals and Direction: A Seamless Blend

Directed and co-written by the Chernin brothers, “Incoming” showcases a dynamic visual style that complements its energetic narrative. The direction captures the essence of adolescent chaos with vibrant cinematography and well-paced editing, ensuring that each comedic beat lands effectively. The film’s visual flair is matched by its clever use of setting—urban landscapes and the vibrant energy of a high school environment provide a perfect backdrop for the story’s unfolding events.

The film’s cinematography and visual effects enhance the storytelling, creating memorable scenes that balance the film’s humor with its more serious moments. The direction is both confident and inventive, allowing the film to explore its themes without sacrificing entertainment value.

Humor with a Purpose

The humor in “Incoming” is both sharp and purposeful, avoiding the pitfalls of relying solely on slapstick or crude jokes. Instead, it weaves witty dialogue and situational comedy seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing character development and advancing the plot. The Chernin brothers’ willingness to tackle sensitive themes with humor and respect sets “Incoming” apart from many of its contemporaries, providing a more nuanced take on adolescent experiences.

The film’s comedic timing is impeccable, with jokes landing at just the right moments to maintain the film’s momentum. This careful balance of humor and heart ensures that the film remains engaging and entertaining throughout its runtime.

Character Development: Depth Amidst the Laughter

Each character in “Incoming” is crafted with care, allowing for meaningful development throughout the film. Benj’s journey from a shy, nerdy teenager to someone who confronts his fears and takes bold steps to achieve his goals is both relatable and inspiring. Alyssa’s storyline, dealing with body image and self-esteem, adds another layer of depth to the narrative, highlighting the pressures faced by young people today.

Eddie and Connor’s friendship is tested and strengthened as they navigate their struggles, while Koosh’s quest to host the perfect party reveals his vulnerabilities and the pressures of living up to expectations. The interactions between these characters are heartfelt and genuine, providing moments of both laughter and emotional depth.

The Role of Secondary Characters

Supporting characters, such as the irresponsible chemistry teacher Mr. Studebaker, add a comedic yet realistic element to the story. Portrayed with a perfect blend of humor and recklessness by Bobby Cannavale, Mr. Studebaker’s antics catalyze many of the film’s comedic moments, while also highlighting the often misguided nature of adult supervision in a teenager’s life.

Other secondary characters, including classmates and family members, contribute to the rich tapestry of the film, each adding their own unique flair and contributing to the overall narrative in meaningful ways.

Themes: Beyond the Laughs

“Incoming” goes beyond surface-level comedy, delving into themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of adolescence. The film explores the balance between fun and responsibility, the impact of social expectations, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst external pressures. These themes resonate deeply with audiences, adding layers of meaning to the otherwise light-hearted narrative.

The film also touches on issues of identity and acceptance, both self-acceptance and acceptance by peers, which are central to the adolescent experience. By addressing these themes with humor and sensitivity, “Incoming” provides a more profound commentary on the challenges faced by young people today.

Critique: Room for Improvement

While “Incoming” excels in many areas, it’s not without its minor flaws. Some plot points, particularly those surrounding Benj’s ultimate success, could have been more fully developed, providing a more satisfying resolution for his character arc. The film occasionally leans into predictable tropes, which might make certain twists feel foreseeable to more astute viewers. However, these moments do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.

Additionally, while the film’s blend of humor and heart is largely successful, there are instances where the pacing may feel uneven, with certain scenes lingering longer than necessary. Despite these minor issues, “Incoming” remains a compelling and entertaining entry in the teen comedy genre.

Audience and Critical Reception

“Incoming” has garnered positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike. Critics have praised the film for its fresh take on the adolescent comedy genre, highlighting the strong performances, sharp writing, and the effective balance of humor and meaningful themes. The film’s authentic portrayal of teenage life and its willingness to tackle sensitive subjects with humor has been particularly well-received.

Audiences have responded favorably to the film’s relatable characters and engaging storyline. The chemistry among the cast members has been a standout aspect, with viewers appreciating the authenticity and depth of the performances. The film’s humor, combined with its heartfelt moments, has resonated with a wide range of viewers, making it a hit among fans of the genre.

The Future of the Genre

With “Incoming” proving to be a success, the future of adolescent comedies looks promising. The film’s ability to balance humor with genuine emotional resonance sets a high standard for future entries in the genre. The Chernin brothers have demonstrated that it is possible to create a comedy that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, paving the way for more innovative and meaningful films aimed at younger audiences.

As the landscape of teen comedies continues to evolve, “Incoming” serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that capture the chaotic, heartfelt, and humorous aspects of adolescence. Its success may inspire filmmakers to take similar risks, blending humor with substantive themes to create films that are both enjoyable and impactful.

Conclusion: A Promising Addition to the Genre

“Incoming” successfully carves out its niche within the adolescent comedy landscape, offering a blend of humor, heart, and thoughtful storytelling. The film stands as a testament to the Chernin brothers’ ability to create engaging, boundary-pushing content that appeals to both younger audiences and fans of the genre. With its strong performances, authentic character dynamics, and a balanced mix of laughter and life lessons, “Incoming” is poised to become a beloved entry in the realm of teen comedies.

The film’s combination of raunchy humor, relatable characters, and meaningful themes ensures that it will resonate with a wide audience. “Incoming” is not just another teen comedy; it is a fresh and innovative take on the genre that promises to entertain and inspire long after the credits roll. For fans of adolescent comedies, “Incoming” is a must-watch that redefines what a modern teen comedy can be, setting a new benchmark for future films in the category.

With its compelling storyline, stunning performances, and a perfect balance of humor and heart, “Incoming” reaffirms that the genre still has plenty of room for creativity and growth. As the film continues to gain traction and accolades, it is likely to become a touchstone for what teen comedies can achieve, inspiring a new wave of films that prioritize both laughter and meaningful storytelling.