Review of Incoming on Netflix: A Mixed Bag of Nostalgia and Missed Opportunities

Netflix’s Incoming has generated a wide range of reactions from viewers, with opinions varying greatly on its attempt to capture the essence of classic teen comedies. While some viewers appreciate its effort to tap into nostalgia, others feel it falls short in many areas. Based on public reviews and my own perspective, the movie has both strengths and weaknesses, making it a polarizing experience.

Table of Contents

1. Cast and Performances: A Mix of Genuine Talent and Missed Potential

One of the film’s notable strengths is its authentic casting. The movie stars actual teenagers, a departure from Hollywood’s usual practice of casting older actors in teen roles. This gives the film a more genuine feel, particularly in the performances of actors like Mason Thames, known for his role in The Black Phone. Thames plays the character Benj, and while his portrayal is commendable, especially given the material he had to work with, the character’s infatuation with his crush can come off as slightly annoying.

Key Cast Members:

Mason Thames as Benj
Loren Gray as Haley
Tim Johnson Jr. as Eddie
Miya Cech as Brooke
Rio Mangini as Connor

Despite the potential of the cast, many reviews have highlighted that the script does not allow them to fully showcase their talents. The chemistry among the cast members is evident, and their likable personalities come through, but the writing falls short, leading to performances that feel somewhat restrained and underwhelming.

2. Visual and Cinematic Style: Nostalgia That Feels Forced

Incoming attempts to evoke the nostalgic vibes of 80s and 90s teen movies like Superbad and American Pie. However, according to many viewers, it doesn’t quite succeed. While the visual style and production design aim to capture the fun and carefree spirit of those classics, the execution often feels forced and inauthentic. Instead of a natural, warm nostalgia, the aesthetic comes across as contrived, lacking the effortless charm of its inspirations.

3. Plot and Storyline: Predictable and Lacking Depth

The plot of Incoming is one of its weaker aspects. While it tries to blend the elements of high school party movies with a coming-of-age story, it ends up being predictable and shallow. Many viewers have described the storyline as clichéd, and some even found it boring. The movie’s humor, a crucial element for any teen comedy, also doesn’t land consistently. A lot of the jokes feel outdated or creepily out of touch with the Gen Z audience it targets. However, there are moments of genuine hilarity that manage to shine through the otherwise bland humor.

4. Character Introductions: Unlikable and Clichéd

A significant criticism in the reviews is the portrayal of the film’s characters. While the cast is talented, the characters themselves are often described as unlikable, childish, and at times, outright annoying. This is a significant drawback in a genre where the audience needs to connect with the characters to fully engage with the story. The character dynamics, which could have been a strong point, instead come off as clichéd and uninspired.

5. Music and Sound Design: Hit or Miss

The soundtrack and sound design of Incoming are fairly standard for a teen comedy. The music helps set the tone, and while it’s not particularly memorable, it does its job. However, some sound effects, particularly those used in the film’s more gross-out moments, have been noted for evoking a sense of disgust rather than adding to the comedic experience.

6. Pacing and Editing: Inconsistent and Disjointed

Viewers have pointed out issues with the film’s pacing and editing. Some felt that the movie took too long to get started, with the real action not beginning until nearly halfway through. This slow build-up, combined with editing choices that disrupt the flow of the story, makes for an uneven viewing experience. The pacing problems contribute to the overall disjointed feel of the film, making it difficult for viewers to stay engaged.

7. Audience Reception: A Divisive Film

Audience reception of Incoming has been highly polarized. Some viewers appreciated the film for its lighthearted, silly nature, comparing it to other comedies like Good Boys. Others, however, were less forgiving, criticizing the film for its forced humor and lack of originality. The movie’s attempts at crude comedy were particularly divisive, with some finding them amusing while others felt they crossed the line into discomfort.

8. Final Thoughts and Box Office Potential: A Mixed Verdict

In conclusion, Incoming is a movie that tries hard to capture the essence of classic teen comedies but ultimately falls short in several key areas. While the cast’s performances and the film’s nostalgic nods have their merits, the overall execution leaves much to be desired. The film’s box office potential seems limited, though it might find a more appreciative audience among those who enjoy light, low-stakes comedies. However, it’s unlikely to reach the cult status of the films it attempts to emulate.

For those looking for a fun, mindless watch with a few genuine laughs, Incoming might be worth a try. But for viewers hoping for a new teen comedy classic, this film is likely to be a disappointment.

My Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)

Incoming offers some moments of entertainment but overall fails to deliver a compelling and memorable teen comedy experience. The lackluster script and inconsistent pacing prevent it from standing out in an already crowded genre.