Incoming (2024)

Incoming (2024) – A High-Octane Action Thriller with a Twist

“Incoming” (2024) is an adrenaline-fueled action thriller that takes viewers on a wild ride through a high-stakes hostage situation aboard a hijacked space station. The film stars a dynamic cast led by Anthony Mackie as Captain John “Jax” Jackson, who must navigate a treacherous environment to save the hostages and thwart a sinister plot. With a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, “Incoming” promises a blend of intense action and gripping suspense.

Incoming (2024)

Directed by the talented Joe Carnahan, known for his work on films like “The A-Team” and “Narc,” “Incoming” showcases his signature style of fast-paced storytelling and sharp dialogue. The screenplay, co-written by Carnahan and his team, effectively balances thrilling action sequences with character development, allowing audiences to connect with the stakes at hand.

Anthony Mackie delivers a compelling performance as Jax, embodying the character’s determination and resourcefulness. His portrayal is complemented by a strong supporting cast, including Jessica Henwick as the tech-savvy engineer and John Boyega as a mysterious antagonist. The chemistry among the cast adds depth to the film, making the characters’ struggles feel authentic and engaging.

Visually, “Incoming” is a spectacle, with impressive special effects that bring the space station to life. The cinematography by Mauro Fiore captures both the claustrophobic interiors and the vastness of space, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The film’s score, composed by Henry Jackman, enhances the action sequences, driving the narrative forward and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Thematically, “Incoming” explores the concepts of sacrifice, loyalty, and the moral dilemmas faced in extreme situations. While some critics note that the film occasionally leans into familiar tropes of the action genre, it manages to deliver enough surprises to keep audiences engaged.

Positive Reviews

  1. Relatable Storylines: The film succeeds in giving each of the boys a relatable and somewhat believable storyline, making it easier for the audience to connect with the characters 12.
  2. Strong Performances: All of the actors in the film do an excellent job with the material, particularly Mason Thames, who plays the lead kid, and Bobby Cannavale, who plays a teacher attending the high school party 34.
  3. Humorous Moments: The jokes in “Incoming” are funny, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, and the film is unafraid to rattle a little, which adds to its comedic value 56.
  4. Subversion of Tropes: One of the film’s shining moments involves a school assembly scene that subverts the typical ‘public declaration of love’ trope in a humiliating and realistic way 7.
  5. Nods to Vintage Teen Comedies: The film includes healthy doses of nods to more vintage teen fare, which adds a layer of nostalgia for fans of the genre 8.

Mixed Reviews

  1. Watchable but Unoriginal: While “Incoming” is a watchable teen flick in the vein of “Superbad” and the “American Pie” films, it offers little in terms of originality 9.
  2. Entertaining Subplots: The film includes a few enjoyable subplots that add some depth to the main storyline, although they are not enough to elevate the film significantly 1011.
  3. Charming but Not Groundbreaking: The film is charming and amusing enough for a one-time watch, but it doesn’t quite arrive in its finale in the big way that it’s earned 1213.

Negative Reviews

  1. Lack of Depth: Critics have pointed out that the film lacks depth, both in its storyline and character development, making it feel more like a prelude to a party with a lot of underage drinking and drugs 14.
  2. Predictable and Formulaic: The film hits many of the same beats as its predecessors, making it predictable and formulaic 1516.
  3. Annoying and Cringy: Some reviewers found the film to be a caricature in many ways, describing it as an all-around annoying and cringy watch that is neither funny nor heartwarming 17.
  4. One-Time Watch: While some viewers enjoyed watching it, they noted that it is not a film they would watch a second time 18.

User Ratings:
As of now, “Incoming” holds a user rating of 7.2/10 on IMDb and a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a positive reception from viewers.



Review Table
Movie TitleIncoming (2024)
DirectorJoe Carnahan
Main CastAnthony Mackie, Jessica Henwick, John Boyega
GenreAction, Thriller
Release DateAugust 30, 2024 (Theatrical)
User Rating (IMDb)7.2/10
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes)75%
RecommendedMust Watch

Overall Impression:
“Incoming” has received favorable reviews, praised for its thrilling action sequences, strong performances, and engaging direction. Critics highlight the film’s ability to balance intense moments with character-driven storytelling, making it a standout in the action genre. With its captivating plot and impressive visuals, “Incoming” is a must-watch for fans of high-octane thrillers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Incoming” (2024) about?

“Incoming” follows Captain Jax Jackson as he navigates a hostage situation aboard a hijacked space station, racing against time to save the hostages and stop a sinister plot.

Who directed “Incoming”?

The film is directed by Joe Carnahan, known for his expertise in crafting action-packed narratives.

Is “Incoming” based on a true story?

No, “Incoming” is a fictional narrative that draws inspiration from classic action thrillers.

Where can I watch “Incoming”?

“Incoming” is set to be released in theaters on August 30, 2024. Check local listings for availability.

What are critics saying about “Incoming”?

Early reviews praise the film for its thrilling action and strong performances, particularly highlighting Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Captain Jax.

For more detailed information about “Incoming,” you can visit Wikipedia.

In conclusion, “Incoming” is poised to be a thrilling addition to the action genre, offering a captivating blend of suspense and excitement that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Don’t miss this exhilarating cinematic experience!

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Matt Zoller Seitz
Matt Zoller Seitz

Matt Zoller Seitz is the Editor at Large of RogerEbert.com. He is also the TV critic for New York Magazine and Vulture.com, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in criticism. His writing on film and television has appeared in The New York Times, Salon.com, The New Republic and Sight and Sound. Seitz is the founder and original editor of the influential film blog The House Next Door, now a part of Slant Magazine, and the co-founder and original editor of Press Play, an IndieWire blog of film and TV criticism and video essays.

A Brooklyn-based writer and filmmaker, Seitz has written, narrated, edited or produced over a hundred hours’ worth of video essays about cinema history and style for The Museum of the Moving Image, Salon.com and Vulture, among other outlets. His five-part 2009 video essay Wes Anderson: The Substance of Style was spun off into the hardcover book The Wes Anderson Collection. This book and its follow-up, The Wes Anderson Collection: Grand Budapest Hotel were New York Times bestsellers.

Other Seitz books include Mad Men Carousel: The Complete Critical Companion, The Oliver Stone Experience, and TV (The Book). He is currently working on a novel, a children's film, and a book about the history of horror, co-authored with RogerEbert.com contributor Simon Abrams.

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