As Netflix rolls out its latest teen comedy, “Incoming,” it’s clear that the film has its sights set on following in the footsteps of the beloved classic “Superbad.” The comparison is inevitable: “Superbad” is widely regarded as one of the quintessential one-night-teen comedies of the 21st century. Its blend of raunchy humor and heartfelt moments has set a high bar for similar films. So, does “Incoming” live up to this legacy, or does it falter in its attempts to capture that same magic?

 A Freshman Year Adventure

“Incoming” shifts the focus from “Superbad”’s soon-to-be graduates to a group of freshmen navigating their first high school experience. The film revolves around four friends—Benj (Mason Thames), the endearingly nerdy character with a crush on his older sister’s best friend; Danah (Bardia Seiri), the wannabe wild man eager to make a mark at his brother’s school-kickoff party; and Eddie (Ramon Reed) and Connor (Raphael Alejandro), the sidekicks who embark on a less conventional adventure.

Benj and Danah’s quest to enhance their high-school status at the party, alongside Eddie and Connor’s misadventures, sets up a series of comedic escapades. The film also features Bobby Cannavale as a cool science teacher who joins the festivities and Loren Gray as Katrina, a popular influencer whose presence adds another layer of chaos to the night.

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The Chernins’ Approach: Hits and Misses

“Incoming” is crafted by writer-directors Dave and John Chernin, known for their work on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Their attempt at an outrageous R-rated comedy is evident, with plenty of profane one-liners and reckless antics. However, the execution doesn’t always hit the mark.

What Works:

• Ensemble Cast Dynamics: The film boasts a promising cast with fresh faces, and their performances, especially in the budding romance between Benj and Bailey, add a touch of sweetness amid the chaos.
• Real Teen Problems: The film does a decent job of exploring themes of insecurity and self-discovery, though it sometimes gets lost in its broader comedic aspirations.

What Falls Short:

• Comic Timing: The movie struggles with timing and pacing. Many of its jokes land with a thud, and some comedic setups feel clunky and poorly executed.
• Dialogue and Direction: The dialogue often feels scripted rather than natural, and the Chernins’ direction lacks the sharpness needed to pull off their ambitious comedic goals. Scenes that could have been hilarious come off as awkward or half-baked.

Missing the Mark: What Could Have Been

While “Incoming” attempts to channel the spirit of “Superbad,” it falls short in several areas. The film’s comedic elements, while occasionally amusing, often feel underdeveloped. The story threads and gags, including a subplot involving the science teacher and the influencer, seem to meander without providing the impactful humor or emotional depth seen in its predecessor.

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The movie’s most engaging subplot, Benj’s tentative romance with Bailey, is overshadowed by the more chaotic elements of the story. Despite some charming moments, this budding romance is not given enough space to truly resonate.

Is “Incoming” a Worthy Successor?

“Incoming” offers a nostalgic nod to “Superbad” but struggles to capture the same level of comedic brilliance and emotional depth. While it has its moments and a few laughs, it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. The film’s attempt to mix outrageous humor with heartfelt moments results in a mix of hits and misses, leaving it somewhere between an enjoyable watch and a missed opportunity.

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If you’re a fan of teen comedies and looking for something new to watch, “Incoming” might still be worth your time. However, don’t expect it to reach the heights of “Superbad”. The movie has its charm, but it ultimately shows that replicating the magic of a classic is no easy feat.

Catch “Incoming” on Netflix and see for yourself if it lives up to the hype or falls short of the mark.