“Incoming” is a movie written and directed by Dave Chernin and John Chernin. It stars Mason Thames, Ramon Reed, Raphael Alejandro and Isabella Ferreira.
If we were to delve into the cinematic landscape of the past century and disregard the quality in favor of sheer volume, the genre of “teen comedies” would undoubtedly emerge as a dominant force in film production. These films are low-cost ventures, boast consistent audience appeal, and achieve financial success without demanding significant artistic risk. The formula is simple and repetitive; producers can churn out a film nearly identical to its predecessors and successors because the audience rarely invests enough attention to notice the similarities.
This pattern holds true for “Incoming”: it is yet another movie centered on adolescents navigating their freshman year of high school. The narrative is infused with the turbulence of raging hormones, the yearning to connect with the opposite sex, and the struggle to be taken seriously in a world that views them as immature.
Given this premise, the film delivers exactly what one would anticipate. There is no room for objection regarding its taste; these types of movies have been a staple for generations, and it is highly likely that similar comedies will entertain our grandchildren in the future. Whether they will be produced by AI remains an open question.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around four friends who confront the uncertainties of their first high school year, fueled by both insecurities and surging hormones.
About the Film
This is a straightforward comedy that adheres to a tried-and-true formula which has been successful for decades: why deviate from it? Within the framework of “four friends eager for sexual experiences in their freshman year,” there are variations. The film can be more or less audacious, more or less humorous, and more or less extravagant. This particular film is moderately daring in terms of its formula but not overly extravagant in its humor. Consequently, it aligns perfectly with expectations: a comedy that blends seamlessly into the multitude of similar films, taking only the minimal necessary risks.
It is amusing because it needs to be amusing, yet it is so saturated with clichés that, once the audience knows what to expect, everything feels overly predictable. The film does not stand out for its dynamic editing or striking aesthetics.
Our Verdict
It is simply another teen movie. We have been watching these for decades, and it appears that they will continue to be made for decades to come. While none of these films may achieve a place in Film History for their quality, the numbers reveal that this is an incredibly profitable formula. Moreover, for viewers at certain stages of life, these movies remain entertaining.