Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Drugs, sex, language in raunchy high school comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Incoming
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say the movie elicits strong reactions, with some finding it hilarious and insightful about being yourself, while others are put off by excessive crude humor, drug use, and sexual content. The film seems to cater to a specific comedic taste, but many viewers express disappointment over its lack of plot and inappropriate portrayals of teen life.
- humor appreciation
- excessive content
- disappointing plot
- message of authenticity
- polarizing reactions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Benj (Mason Thames) and his best buddies Eddie (Ramon Reed), Connor (Raphael Alejandro), and Danah (Bardia Seiri) are about to start their first year of high school in INCOMING. They're nervous about fitting in. Benj has a crush on his sister Alyssa's (Ali Gallo) best friend, Bailey (Isabella Ferreira). When the group finds out that Danah's brother is hosting a big party, they plot to make it a memorable entrée into high school society.
Is It Any Good?
Nothing new to see in this latest be-true-to-yourself tale jam-packed with hormone-driven high school hazing and flailing, but don't blame the cast. Veterans Bobby Cannavale and Kaitlin Olson are pros, and star Thames shows potential as the heart of Incoming. He conveys his character's sweetness even as Benj gets wrapped up in all kinds of mayhem.
Like Hulu's Prom Date or Netflix's Dangerous Liaisons, Incoming is a reminder that it's not so easy to make a great high school movie, no matter how many times Hollywood tries. The sketchy situations, drugs, and mutual mistreatment are only sometimes laughable and fail to find true-to-life moments. Instead, the movie takes things too far repeatedly, from the teacher's self-inflicted injuries to a senior's bowel incontinence. The end result just isn't as funny or as risqué as it hopes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether the portrayal of teen life and high school seen in Incoming feels true to life or not. Why? Do you think the film tries to be realistic? Does it ever go too far?
What lessons do the incoming first-year students learn in this film?
Why do you think the character of Mr. Studebaker makes the decisions he does? What clues does the script give us about his life outside of school?
How does this compare to other high school comedies you've seen?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 23, 2024
- Cast : Mason Thames , Ramon Reed , Raphael Alejandro
- Directors : Dave Chernin , John Chernin
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : drug use and drinking, sexual content, pervasive language, some violence and brief nudity – all involving teens
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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