A fresh take on high school comedy: ‘Incoming’ and the Chernin brothers’ journey
A taste of nostalgia with a modern twist
“You’ve gotta go with a Cheesy Gordita Crunch,” Dave Chernin insists, scrolling through the digital kiosk at a Taco Bell Cantina in Chelsea. “I’m ordering one for you too,” he assures his older brother, John Chernin. The siblings, separated by just 15 months, are not only brothers but also writing and directing partners. They are in New York City to promote their latest project, Incoming, a high school comedy that harks back to the raunchy humor of classics like Superbad and American Pie.
The essence of ‘Incoming’
Incoming is a film about four nerdy friends navigating the treacherous waters of high school, aiming to score an invite to the ultimate party. The Chernins have crafted a narrative that feels both nostalgic and fresh, drawing on their own experiences growing up. The film features a memorable scene where two freshmen, played by Ramon Reed and Raphael Alejandro, take an intoxicated older classmate, portrayed by Loren Gray, on a chaotic chalupa run. This scene, filled with explosive humor and a Tesla in dire need of cleaning, is a nod to the outrageous antics that define the film.
The Taco Bell dilemma
“It was written in the script as Taco Bell,” Dave explains. “There was a lot of talk about whether we could actually say Taco Bell. But made-up names like Taco Town just didn’t feel as funny.” The brothers got creative, ensuring the scene retained its humor without explicitly showing Taco Bell branding. This decision underscores their commitment to authenticity and comedic impact.
Real-life inspiration
The Chernins reveal that much of Incoming is inspired by their own high school experiences. “We spent a lot of time debating if kids even go to parties anymore,” John says. They considered asking their friends’ teenage children but decided against it, finding the idea awkward. Instead, they relied on their memories of house parties, gravity bongs, and beer kegs, infusing the film with a sense of genuine nostalgia.
A change of scenery
With Taco Bell more crowded than the high school rager in Incoming, the brothers relocate to Madison Square Park, burritos and Modelo Especials in hand. John jokes about the potential for getting arrested for open containers, adding a touch of real-life humor to their promotional tour.
A collaborative journey
The Chernins have a long history of collaboration, including writing for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and creating The Mick. “We just have a shorthand together that goes back decades,” John says. Despite their comedy pedigree, major studios were hesitant to back Incoming. The film was produced independently by Spyglass Media Group and later sold to Netflix.
Navigating the comedy landscape
The brothers acknowledge the challenges of creating R-rated comedies in today’s climate. “We got a lot of feedback like ‘The script was hilarious, but it’s not really what we’re doing right now,’” Dave says. Concerns about the film’s boundary-pushing humor and scenes involving drug use were common. However, their experience on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has equipped them to navigate these tricky waters.
“We’re not afraid to navigate those tricky waters,” Dave asserts. “‘Always Sunny’ is completely unafraid to go anywhere as long as it’s funny. There’s an unspoken agreement between the audience and the show’s creators — the people who are making this show are on the right side of things, despite what terrible things the characters are doing. We’re poking fun, not glorifying them.”
A new era for high school comedies
Incoming represents a new era for high school comedies, blending the irreverent humor of the past with a modern sensibility. The Chernins have crafted a film that is both a tribute to the classics and a fresh take on the genre. For those who grew up on the likes of Superbad and American Pie, Incoming offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while also appealing to a new generation of viewers.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Incoming.
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