Netflix’s ‘Incoming’: A Tame Attempt at R-Rated Comedy, Even Bobby Cannavale Can’t Save It

Netflix has consistently provided a platform for diverse genres, and their latest teen comedy, Incoming, is another addition to this vast library. However, unlike the timeless appeal of classics like Superbad or Booksmart, Incoming struggles to find its footing in the crowded teen comedy landscape. Despite being helmed by creators John and Dave Chernin of The Mick fame, the film lacks the depth and edge that made its predecessors memorable. This review dives into the highs and lows of Incoming, highlighting where it hits the mark and where it falls short.

Plot Overview

Incoming follows the lives of four freshmen—Benj, Koosh, Eddie, and Connor—as they navigate their first week of high school. The plot centers around their mission to make a significant impression at a massive party hosted by Koosh’s brother. Each character has a unique goal: Koosh aims to hook up with a senior to impress his brother, Benj wants to win over his sister’s best friend Bailey, and Eddie and Connor are determined to shed their “lame” reputations after being uninvited from the party.

However, as is typical with teen comedies, things don’t go according to plan. Drug mishaps, awkward encounters, and a series of unfortunate events ensue, testing the boys’ friendship and determination.

The Cast: A Silver Lining

Mason Thames as Benj

Mason Thames, known for his role in The Black Phone, takes on the lead role as Benj. Thames brings a certain charm to the character, but the script doesn’t give him much to work with. Benj’s journey, which is supposed to revolve around his passion for singing and his crush on Bailey, feels underdeveloped and lacks the emotional weight necessary to engage the audience fully.

Isabella Ferreira as Bailey

Isabella Ferreira, who you might recognize from Love, Victor, plays Bailey, the object of Benj’s affection. While Ferreira delivers a solid performance, her character is more of a plot device than a fully realized individual. The film hints at a deeper connection between her and Benj but fails to explore it meaningfully.

Thomas Barbusca as Ruby

Thomas Barbusca, who made a name for himself on The Mick, plays Ruby, an obnoxious character who adds little value to the story. Barbusca’s talent is evident, but like many elements of Incoming, his character feels one-dimensional and underutilized.

Bobby Cannavale as Mr. Studebaker

The standout performance comes from Bobby Cannavale, who plays Mr. Studebaker, a well-meaning but misguided science teacher. Cannavale infuses the character with humor and pathos, making him one of the few memorable aspects of the film. His attempts to connect with his students, coupled with his personal struggles, make Mr. Studebaker a rare fully fleshed-out character in Incoming.

The Comedy: Where It Fails

Lack of Substance

Unlike the teen comedies that have become cultural touchstones, Incoming feels shallow and devoid of meaningful connections. The film rushes into the party scene without adequately establishing the friendships between the four main characters or giving the audience a reason to care about their individual goals.

Safe and Tame Humor

One of the most significant disappointments is how tame Incoming feels despite its R-rating. The film attempts to replicate the wild, raunchy humor of films like Superbad but falls flat. Drug mishaps and awkward romantic encounters are played for laughs but lack the stakes and consequences that make similar scenes in other comedies memorable.

Missed Opportunities

The film sets up several scenarios that could have led to more significant character development or comedic payoff but fails to follow through. For instance, Benj’s passion for singing is mentioned but never explored in a way that ties into the film’s climax, leaving the audience wondering why it was included in the first place.

Comparisons to Other Teen Comedies

Superbad

Superbad is often hailed as the gold standard of modern teen comedies, and for a good reason. The film masterfully balances outrageous humor with genuine emotional stakes, making the audience care about the characters’ journey. Incoming, by contrast, feels like a pale imitation, lacking the heart and wit that made Superbad a classic.

Booksmart

Booksmart is another recent example of a teen comedy that manages to be both hilarious and heartfelt. The film’s characters are fully realized individuals with distinct personalities and relatable struggles. In Incoming, the characters feel more like archetypes than real people, which diminishes the impact of the story.

Why Incoming Falls Short

Weak Character Development

One of the most significant issues with Incoming is its weak character development. The four main characters are introduced quickly, and the film expects the audience to care about their journey without giving them time to connect with the characters. As a result, their struggles and triumphs feel inconsequential.

Predictable Plot

The plot of Incoming follows a predictable formula, with few surprises along the way. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with a familiar story structure, the lack of originality in Incoming makes it difficult to stay engaged. The film borrows heavily from other teen comedies but fails to add anything new to the genre.

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The Bright Spots: What Incoming Gets Right

Bobby Cannavale’s Performance

As mentioned earlier, Bobby Cannavale’s performance as Mr. Studebaker is one of the few highlights of Incoming. His ability to balance humor with a touch of sadness makes his character one of the most compelling in the film. Cannavale’s comedic timing and physicality add depth to a role that could have easily been a throwaway character.

Moments of Genuine Humor

While the film’s humor is hit or miss, there are moments where it manages to land a joke or two. These instances are few and far between, but when they occur, they provide a glimpse of what Incoming could have been with a stronger script and more focused direction.

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Should You Watch In-coming?

For Fans of the Genre

If you’re a fan of teen comedies and don’t mind something light and predictable, In-coming might be worth a watch. However, don’t expect it to become a new favorite or even a film you’ll remember in a few months. It’s the kind of movie that’s easy to put on in the background but doesn’t demand your full attention.

For Viewers Looking for Substance

If you’re hoping for a teen comedy with depth, strong character development, and memorable moments, In-coming is unlikely to satisfy. There are far better options available on Netflix and other streaming platforms that offer more than just surface-level entertainment.

Conclusion

In the end, Incoming is a film that had potential but ultimately falls short. Despite a talented cast and the promise of a raunchy high school comedy, the movie lacks the substance and originality needed to stand out in the genre. Bobby Cannavale’s performance as Mr. Studebaker is the film’s saving grace, but even his efforts can’t elevate In-coming beyond mediocrity. If you’re looking for a teen comedy with heart and humor, you’re better off revisiting classics like Superbad or Booksmart.

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