‘Incoming’: Netflix's New Comedy Attempts to Capture the Essence of ‘Superbad’ with a Fresh Perspective
‘Incoming’: Netflix's New Comedy Attempts to Capture the Essence of ‘Superbad’ with a Fresh Perspective
Netflix has just released a new teen comedy titled *Incoming*, and it's already generating buzz comparing it to the highly acclaimed film *Superbad*. The movie is the brainchild of Dave and John Chernin, known for their work on *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*. Crafted with a fresh and relatable perspective, the film promises to follow in the footsteps of the genre-defining 2007 comedy by focusing on the intricacies and comedic struggles of teenage life. However, the film has received mixed reviews, which prompts an exploration into what makes or breaks a contemporary coming-of-age comedy.
The Plot: A Fresh Take on Teen Struggles
*Incoming* flips the narrative structure of *Superbad* by placing its lens on four insecure friends who are just beginning their freshman year in high school, instead of seniors preparing for graduation. The characters are a deliberate reflection of their *Superbad* counterparts, aiming to resonate with a similar level of awkward charm. At the center, we have Benj, played by Mason Thames, who takes on the role of the nerdy teenager with a heart-wrenching crush on Bailey, portrayed by Isabella Ferreira. Then there's Danah, the wild card performed by Bardia Seiri, whose unpredictable antics keep both the characters and audiences on their toes.
Similarly, Eddie and Connor, brought to life by Ramon Reed and Raphael Alejandro respectively, embark on a quirky side adventure that echoes the misadventures of McLovin in *Superbad*. What brings a unique twist to *Incoming* are its multiple narrative threads. These include a science teacher, played by Bobby Cannavale, who finds himself mingling with his students in rather inappropriate partying scenarios. Meanwhile, an online influencer, interpreted by Loren Gray, becomes part of the chaotic narrative, adding further layers of intrigue and comedy.
The Direction and its Comparative Analysis
Despite the Chernins' unmistakable comedic pedigree from their tenure on *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, *Incoming* has been met with criticism. Unlike *Superbad*, the movie struggles to sustain its humor and the timing feels consistently off. The direction falters in creating the well-calibrated slapstick humor and seamless comic reversals that have made its predecessors enduringly popular.
For example, while *Superbad* effortlessly blends authentic dialogue and well-paced comedic beats, *Incoming* often feels weighed down by clunky lines and poor comic timing. There are moments when the film’s attempt at humor falls flat, failing to hit the high notes that one might expect from a teen comedy influenced by a timeless classic. It’s a missed opportunity, given that the premise and character archetypes had the potential to deliver something memorable.
Characters and Chemistry
Characters are the lifeblood of any coming-of-age story, and this is an area where *Incoming* attempts to shine. Each character inherently mirrors a figure from *Superbad*, but the youthful cast aims to breathe new life into familiar narratives. The chemistry between Benj and Bailey, for instance, echoes the endearing awkwardness of teenage crushes. Danah’s wild persona provides a dynamic energy that, while reminiscent of Jonah Hill's character, holds its own quirks and surprises.
Eddie and Connor’s subplot, involving their interactions and adventures centering around an online influencer, offers an additional layer of contemporary relevance. It highlights the impact of social media, a theme not as prevalent when *Superbad* was released. Despite these promising elements, the movie’s execution often undermines the strength of its character dynamics, making it difficult for viewers to fully engage with their journeys.
Cultural Reflection in Modern Cinema
*Incoming* attempts to capture the zeitgeist of modern teenage life, much like *Superbad* did for its era. The presence of an online influencer among the primary cast reflects today's digital age, where social media prominence often shapes teenage experiences. In this respect, *Incoming* tries to resonate with a generation that navigates adolescence through the parallel realities of real life and online personas.
However, despite its timely themes, critics argue that the movie fails to leverage these elements effectively. Humor, a critical component of such films, seems to be the movie’s Achilles' heel. Given the wealth of material available, the film could have delved deeper into the idiosyncrasies of modern teenage interactions. Instead, the attempts at humor often come across as forced or outdated, detracting from the potential relatability and enjoyment.
Conclusion: The Struggle to Emulate Success
In the comedy genre, the bar set by movies like *Superbad* is exceptionally high. *Incoming* enters this competitive space with a premise that holds promise and characters that have the potential to charm audiences. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. Clunky dialogue, poorly timed comedy, and a lack of sustained humor are significant obstacles that the film fails to overcome.
Dave and John Chernin's directorial efforts, while ambitious, do not quite hit the marks that fans of the genre might expect. It’s a reminder that capturing the magic of a successful film requires more than just a similar story structure or character archetypes. It necessitates a keen understanding of comic timing, character development, and an intuitive grasp of what resonates with audiences.
Ultimately, while *Incoming* strives to emulate the humor and coming-of-age essence of *Superbad*, it struggles to find its footing. For fans eager for a lighthearted, nostalgic teen comedy, it may still offer moments of laughter and relatability. However, in the broader landscape of the genre, it stands as a reminder of the challenges involved in recreating a cult classic's success.