“Incoming” gets a big, fat F in my gradebook
The new Netflix movie “Incoming” was an interesting watch, to say the least. From start to finish I was questioning the point and plot of this very strange film. As a Newbury Park High School student, all I really found interesting was when I could look at the screen and say, “Oh wow, that is my school!” With many strange choices with the script, acting and directing of this film, I can not really say I recommend this film.
Let’s start off with the script. No matter how hard you try, at no point will you ever be able to predict the next words out of anyone’s mouth. It was so obvious that the writer’s only goal was to make the script as teenage-like and “woke” as possible and it was really just annoying. It was hard to find anything to laugh at, and that is coming from someone who laughs at everything. It followed such awkward and unnecessary plotlines and it was incredibly hard to keep watching the screen when everything caused me second hand embarrassment and discomfort, which was possibly the only reason laughter could be found.
Up next, the acting. The actors definitely made due with the script that they were given, but they were not given enough to put on a performance better than mediocre. With a cast of so many newer actors, they really did not have a lot of individual depth, and every scene felt like you were waiting on and reliant on the next actor to give more than the last. However, when hearing the script, I can see how one would struggle to put on their best performance.
Directing wise, it again falls into the mediocre. There was nothing visually dynamic or appealing about this film. It was bland, and lacked anything that would really capture your attention. The presentation was basic in format, and slightly boring at parts. I felt as though I, someone with absolutely zero directing experience, could have made a film with more visual depth and interest. That being said, we can accredit the director for at least trying.
Again, the only really interesting thing about this film was being able to see our school on the big screen, and seeing all the changes they made. Extra plants, interesting decorations, things like that. I truly would never see myself watching this movie if it was not filmed at our school, and it would be very surprising to hear that anyone outside of Newbury Park watched this movie and actually enjoyed it, however not a complete shock considering how we are in an age of screen addiction. Its entire basis is modern humor, so maybe in a few years, when the young kids of this generation are old enough to watch it, someone will be able to truly enjoy this movie.
