Why 'Chewing Gum' (2024) Is a Disappointing Series
"Chewing Gum" (2024) epitomizes how the film industry often seeks to captivate audiences through cliched tropes and overused devices, all while failing to deliver fresh concepts or quality execution. This series, akin to many contemporary Russian productions, leaves viewers perplexed not solely due to its content, but also because of its presentation format.
Plot: A Predicted Disappointment
The title "Chewing Gum" speaks volumes about its intention. What was presumably an attempt to portray a teenage drama with elements of social satire ultimately devolves into an absurd farce. From the very first scenes, the audience is met with an egregious disconnect between the ages of the actors and their on-screen roles. The main characters, purportedly high school seniors, appear and behave more like individuals in their late twenties to early thirties. Their mannerisms, dialogue, and overall conduct are strikingly out of sync with that of actual teenagers, dismantling any hope of viewing this series as a genuine reflection of youth.
Acting Performance: Cringe Over Talent
The casting choices warrant special mention. While a couple of actors manage to deliver passable performances, they are unable to salvage the disjointed ensemble. The majority of the cast display an apparent indifference, frolicking across the stage as if relishing their participation, yet lacking the drive to immerse themselves in their roles. It gives off the impression that the casting process prioritized personal connections or charisma over genuine talent.
It is glaringly evident that the actors do not attempt to embody teenagers in any meaningful way. Their dialogue is laden with contrived, artificial phrasing that frequently evokes bewilderment. In their quest to mimic youthful slang, the screenwriters have veered off-course, generating conversations that come across as not only unnatural but sometimes outright ridiculous.
Direction and Script: Failing on All Fronts
In years past, some Russian series occasionally managed to surprise viewers with compelling plots or noteworthy directorial choicesβthese hopes are, however, nonexistent in this particular case. The glaring lack of logic throughout the script and poor directing permeate each episode, creating a sense of lifelessness and derivative quality within the series.
The Reasons Behind the Failure of "Chewing Gum"
- Unprofessional Casting Approach: Attempting to portray teenagers with visibly mature actors aged 25 and up is fundamentally flawed.
- Unsettling Dialogues: In their quest for current relevance, the writers have produced a new-varsity language that sounds patently inauthentic.
- Lack of Original Ideas: The narrative offers nothing novel, exciting, or original to engage the audience.
- Sloppy Direction: Rather than providing meticulously crafted scenes, viewers are subjected to arbitrary emotional outbursts and stereotypical conflicts.
Who is This Series For?
Frankly, itβs hard to envision any demographic that might genuinely value this project. The youth are unlikely to see themselves represented in these characters, while older viewers are doubtful to invest their time in an inconsequential and superficial spectacle.
Overall Impression: A Complete Waste of Time
Expectations for "Chewing Gum" have fallen short on every conceivable level. The series presents itself as an assortment of clichΓ©s and absurdities that elicit neither laughter nor tears. Even compared to other recent Russian series, it stands out as notably weak.
Based on viewer feedback, this sentiment is widespread. Comments frequently feature terms like "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent." These descriptions seem entirely justified, as the project disappoints on all frontsβfrom the acting to the storyline itself.
So, Whatβs the Ending?
"Chewing Gum" serves as yet another instance of how modern Russian cinema continues to hit new lows. If you find yourself with some spare time, investing it in higher-quality content would be a more productive endeavor. The conclusion is clear: watching this series equates to squandering eight precious hours of your life.