Why the 2024 Series Chewing Gum Is a Disappointment
The 2024 series "Chewing Gum" stands as a striking illustration of how the film industry often attempts to capture the audience's attention through stale tropes and clichéd techniques, while failing to deliver either innovative ideas or quality execution. Much like a vending machine full of junk food, this project—along with many other contemporary Russian series—elicits confusion not only due to its content but also because of its presentation.
Plot: An Anticipated Letdown
The title "Chewing Gum" tells you everything you need to know. The endeavor to portray a teenage drama interlaced with elements of social satire has devolved into an absurd farce. Right from the opening scenes, viewers are confronted with a blatant discrepancy between the actors’ ages and the roles they are supposed to embody.
The central characters, purported to be high school seniors, come off as weary adults in their late 20s or early 30s, leaving audiences scratching their heads. Their mannerisms and dialogue reflect a maturity that starkly contrasts with the insecurities typical of actual teenagers, effectively dismantling any chance of immersing oneself in a believable narrative.
Acting: Cringe Over Craftsmanship
The casting choices serve as a topic worthy of scrutiny in its own right. While a couple of performers manage to deliver relatively decent portrayals, this hardly salvages the overall ensemble. The majority of the cast seem to be reveling in merely being a part of the show rather than striving to truly inhabit their roles. It feels as though the casting call favors connections or the director’s personal charisma over genuine talent.
Particularly egregious is the clear indifference to accurately depicting adolescents. The actors utilize a contrived, invented vernacular that comes off as so artificial that it elicits confusion rather than empathy. In an obvious attempt to mimic contemporary youth slang, the screenwriters have gone overboard, rendering the dialogues stilted and occasionally ludicrous.
Direction and Script: A Freefall on All Fronts
In contrast to earlier Russian series, which sometimes delivered intriguing narratives or innovative directing, "Chewing Gum" seems to have wiped the slate clean of such expectations. The MIA logic in the script and lackluster directorial choices manifest horrifically in each episode. As a result, the series comes across as talentless and derivative.
Why Did "Chewing Gum" Flop?
- Unprofessional Casting Approach.
Attempting to portray teens with visible ages of 25 and older is a clear misstep. - Unnatural Dialogues.
Chasing relevance, the writers have created a version of "Newspeak" that rings hollow. - Lack of Innovative Ideas.
The plot fails to introduce anything fresh, interesting, or original. - Slapdash Direction.
Instead of well-crafted scenes, viewers are met with irrational emotional outbursts and clichéd conflicts.
Who Is This Series For?
Frankly speaking, it’s hard to envision an audience that would find value in this endeavor. Young viewers are unlikely to see themselves reflected in these characters, while older demographics would probably balk at the idea of spending time on such a shallow and meaningless spectacle.
Overall Impression: A Fruitless Waste of Time
Expectations surrounding "Chewing Gum" have gone unmet on every front. The series unfolds like a collection of worn-out clichés and absurdities that spark neither laughter nor tears. Even when positioned against other current Russian offerings, it comes off as weak and uninspired.
Viewer feedback reflects this sentiment, with many commentators highlighting terms such as "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent." This scathing critique stems from a project that disappoints dramatically—spanning from acting to storyline execution.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
"Chewing Gum" serves as yet another case study in how contemporary Russian cinema continues its decline. If you find yourself with some free time, it would be far wiser to dedicate it to content that offers a greater quality of entertainment. The takeaway is crystal clear: watching this series equates to squandering eight hours of your life.