On Netflix, High School Comedies are…Incoming!
In the days of Hollywood past, it seemed like a great studio comedy was a staple for theatrical release. Nowadays, not so much!
Streaming has definitely become a place for comedy, whether it’s scripted shows and movies, or stand-up specials. The clear leader in this race is Netflix. This year alone, they have given us a movie directed by Jerry Seinfeld, a sitcom with Shane Gillis, and a stand-up special from Matt Rife!
And now, Netflix throws their hat into the ring into the coming-of-age subgenre of comedy. On August 23rd, Incoming was released. It centers on four high school freshmen who try to break stereotypes and make a name for themselves at a party full of upperclassmen. To understand how good Incoming is, you have to look at the genre itself.
Teen Comedies of the Past
There are fictional teens before John Hughes, and then there are fictional teens after John Hughes. The writer/director of classics like The Breakfast Club (1985) and Pretty in Pink (1986), Hughes is instrumental in making teenagers more compelling in movies.
While movies like those are from an earlier era, the struggles of the characters remain topics of discussion today. That feeling of loneliness and the want to belong. Gen Z, for the most part, is still able to click with these movies. Their combination of humor with societal problems remains timeless.
While I think Hughes’ DNA is clear in most subsequent teen comedy productions, it’s clear Incoming has another big influence. 2007’s Superbad, starring Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, was a huge step in altering the teen comedy. With a script from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Superbad has become the 2000’s teen classic that The Breakfast Club is for the 1980’s.
Superbad is raunchy and more concerned with the jokes and comedy of it all. However, every element of the movie works perfectly, and it’s another case of a movie that others can relate to, while still being firmly tied to a slightly different era.
Is Incoming Funny Enough?
So, there’s The Breakfast Club for Gen X. Superbad represents the 2000’s. Now, Incoming tries to act in a similar vein for Gen Z. How does it fare? Honestly, pretty well!
Personally, I didn’t have high expectations for Incoming. The trailer I watched for it made it feel like something that was going to try and be edgy, without actually being so. However, I was really surprised by what co-directors and brothers, John and Dave Chernin created, in their directorial debut no less!
I will get this out of the way: Incoming doesn’t reinvent the wheel. If you are looking for a comedic movie that breaks boundaries, undoubtedly, you’ll be disappointed. However, what Incoming does provide is laughs! It has funny lines, teens being awkward in romance, juvenile sequences involving fecal matter, and physical gags. And, more often than not, they are hilarious!
Like it or not, the setting of a high school party that so many of these movies use is perfect for comedy. It allows you to have multiple distinct personalities, have wild scenarios keep popping up, and it provides constant escalation. The Chernin brothers’ make adept use of that setting.
The Authenticity of Incoming‘s Teens
Any good comedy film worth their salt needs its’ actors to be convincing to sell the jokes and humor. It can be especially tough with younger actors. However, the cast of Incoming is a very talented group of young actors.
The film has many fun supporting roles, like Raphael Alejandro’s Connor and Ramon Reed’s Eddie. The former deals with the embarrassing nickname of “Fetus”, while the latter expands his horizons and confronts his stepdad. While these guys aren’t the main characters, they offer up tons of hilarity! Both feel natural, and are age-appropriate for the roles (not something every teen film has).
Another great arc comes for Koosh, played by Bardia Seiri. A rich kid who struggles living up to his older brother, Seiri, does a decent job of pulling off an arc where he’s not the most likable guy, but learns to kind of find himself and be comfortable in his own skin.
However, the true highlight is Mason Thames as Benj, the main character. Thames broke through in Hollywood with his role in The Black Phone (2021, released in 2022). As Benj, he plays a relatable kid that I think anyone who’s been in high school or is in high school can relate to. The guy who wants acceptance and to find his soulmate/crush. It’s not original, but Thames makes these feelings genuine, which is what you want.
His relationship with Bailey (Isabella Ferreira), a sophomore girl he has a crush on, is the kickstart to him wanting to attend this party, and it’s the crux of the movie. Ferreira, for her part, is very charming, and she has great chemistry with Thames. They navigate the awkward, funny, and romantic parts of teen romance well!
Finally, while this section is dedicated to the great job of the teen ensemble, I have to mention maybe my favorite part of the movie: Bobby Cannavale! He plays a science teacher who crashes the party on accident, and he’s having so much fun! His line readings are great, and he’s just this sort of pathetic guy trying to have fun in his old age. It’s hilarious!
Is Incoming Worth the Watch?
The Chernin brothers apparently drew upon a lot of their high school-partying experiences for the basis of Incoming. While comedy usually dials things up a notch, that sort of foundation allows Incoming to entertain and be, well, sincere.
Again, this movie is not a wholly original affair, and I’m not sure it’ll have the rewatch value of a classic like Superbad. However, if you need a laugh, or are looking to relive some high school shenanigans, Incoming balances humor with just enough heart to make for a good time!
