Critique of the 2024 Series 'Chewing Gum': A Missed Opportunity
TV Series "Chewing Gum" (2024): Cringe That's Hard to Digest
The 2024 series "Chewing Gum" serves as a prime illustration of how the film industry attempts to capture viewer attention by employing cliché techniques and run-of-the-mill tropes, while failing to deliver fresh ideas or quality execution. This project stands among many contemporary Russian series that elicit confusion not only through their content but also via their flawed presentation.
Plot: An Anticipated Disappointment
The title "Chewing Gum" is quite telling in itself. This endeavor to portray a teenage drama interspersed with elements of social satire devolves into an absurd farce. From the very first scenes, viewers are confronted with the glaring issue of actors mismatched to their roles in age. The supposedly high school seniors — who are meant to be around eighteen — appear and act more like individuals in their mid-twenties or early thirties. Their mannerisms, behaviors, and dialogue styles are utterly inconsistent with that of actual teenagers, tearing apart any chance for the series to be perceived as realistic.
Acting Performance: Cringe Over Talent
The casting might warrant its own discussion. While there are a couple of performers who deliver comparatively decent portrayals, it simply cannot salvage the overall ensemble. Most actors meander through their scenes, reveling in merely participating, with no genuine effort invested in immersing themselves in their characters. It gives the impression that casting choices relied more on personal connections or the director's whims rather than actual talent.
Especially striking is the fact that performers make no real attempt to embody the essence of youth. Their dialogue is laden with contrived, artificial language that sounds so exaggeratedly forced, it leaves viewers baffled. In a clumsy bid to mimic the youth's slang, the writers have clearly overshot their mark, twisting the conversations into something unnatural and often absurd.
Directing and Script: A Total Failure on All Fronts
In the past, even modern Russian series occasionally delighted viewers with interesting storylines or creative directorial choices, but such hopes have been utterly dashed here. The complete absence of logic in the script and lackluster directing are evident in every episode, rendering the series a feeble and derivative affair.
Why Did "Chewing Gum" Flop?
- Unprofessional Casting Choices.
Attempting to cast actors over the age of 25 to play teenagers is a clear misstep. - Unnatural Dialogues.
In the pursuit of relevance, the writers concocted a "new speak" that rings hollow. - Lack of Fresh Concepts.
The storyline brings nothing novel, engaging, or original to the table. - Sloppy Direction.
Instead of nuanced scenes, viewers are met with baseless emotional outbursts and stereotypical conflicts.
Who Is This Series For?
Frankly speaking, it's hard to fathom what audience might appreciate this project. The youth are unlikely to see themselves in these characters, while older viewers are probably not inclined to invest their time in a shallow and senseless spectacle.
General Impression: A Waste of Time
Expectations for "Chewing Gum" fell short at every turn. The series comes off as a collection of clichés and absurdities that evoke neither laughter nor tears. Even when pitted against other contemporary Russian dramas, it ranks as weak.
Viewer feedback indicates a consensus in opinion. Comments frequently include words such as "cringe," "farce," and "talentless," which is more than justified, as the project disappoints on all fronts — from acting performances to storyline.
And What’s the End?
"Chewing Gum" is yet another instance of modern Russian cinema hitting rock bottom. If you find yourself with some spare time, you’d be better off dedicating it to higher quality content. The takeaway is crystal clear: watching this series equates to squandering eight hours of your life.