Netflix's latest comedy, "Incoming", falls short of its aspirations to be the next "Superbad". Despite being written and directed by two veterans of the hilarious sitcom "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", "Incoming" lacks the sharp wit, memorable characters, and infectious energy that made its predecessor a classic. While it attempts to mimic the raunchy and cringeworthy humor of "Superbad", the result is often clunky and simply not funny enough to withstand comparisons.
Netflix's "Incoming" is a misguided attempt to replicate the success of Judd Apatow's acclaimed 2007 comedy "Superbad". However, this latest offering from the streaming giant misses the mark in almost every way. While "Superbad" effortlessly captured the awkwardness and hilarity of teenage life, "Incoming" feels like a forced and contrived imitation.
Incoming": A Clumsy and Unfunny Attempt to Emulate "Superbad
The film follows a group of high school seniors on the night of their prom. Despite their grand plans for an unforgettable evening, a series of unfortunate events leads to a disastrous night filled with vomiting, drug use, and broken hearts. While the premise has the potential for comedic gold, the execution is painfully unfunny and often borders on cringe-inducing.
One of the main reasons for "Incoming"'s failure to connect with audiences lies in its weak and poorly developed characters. Unlike the iconic trio from "Superbad", the protagonists in "Incoming" are shallow and one-dimensional. Their motivations are unclear, their relationships feel superficial, and their dialogue is often forced and unnatural. As a result, it is difficult for the audience to invest in their journey or find any humor in their misadventures.
Furthermore, the film's script is riddled with unoriginal and predictable jokes. The gags rely heavily on gross-out humor, bodily functions, and sexual innuendos, but they fail to elicit any genuine laughs. Instead, they come across as desperate and tasteless. The film's attempts at social commentary and satire are equally heavy-handed and lack subtlety, leaving the audience feeling bored rather than enlightened.
In an effort to compensate for the weak material, the cast of "Incoming" tries their best to elevate the film with their performances. However, even the talents of Charlie Day, Steve Howey, and Sofia Vergara cannot save this sinking ship. Day, in particular, is wasted in a role that is far beneath his capabilities. Howey and Vergara bring some much-needed energy to their scenes, but their characters are not developed enough to make a lasting impression.
The direction by Jamie Babbit is equally uninspired. The pacing is slow and uneven, the camerawork is unoriginal, and the editing is choppy. As a result, the film feels disjointed and lacks any sense of rhythm or flow. While Babbit has proven to be a capable director in the past, "Incoming" is a clear misstep in her career.
Ultimately, "Incoming" is a disappointing and forgettable comedy that fails to live up to its potential. Despite its star-studded cast and promising premise, the film suffers from weak characterization, unfunny jokes, and uninspired direction. Instead of being the next "Superbad", "Incoming" is simply a clunky and unfunny imitation that will likely be forgotten soon after its release.
