Why the Series 'Chewing Gum' (2024) Falls Flat
The series "Chewing Gum" (2024) is a glaring illustration of how the film industry often resorts to cliched tactics to attract viewers, all while failing to present fresh ideas or quality execution. This project, akin to many contemporary Russian shows, raises eyebrows not only due to its content but also its presentation format.
The Plot: An Anticipated Disappointment
The title "Chewing Gum" speaks volumes on its own, encapsulating the essence of what the show attempts to convey. What was meant to be a teenage drama, laced with elements of social satire, has devolved into an absurd farce. From the very first scenes, the audience grapples with a glaring inconsistency: the actors playing high school seniors look and act more like adults in their late twenties or early thirties. Their mannerisms, dialogues, and behaviors are laughably out of sync with the realities of adolescence, detracting from any semblance of realism the series might have aspired to achieve.
Acting Performance: Cringe over Talent
The casting of actors deserves its own spotlight. While a couple of performances manage to rise above the mediocre fray, they hardly redeem the overall ensemble. Many actors appear to be wandering through their scenes, seemingly reveling in their participation rather than truly embodying their roles. It creates an unsettling impression that the casting process was guided more by personal connections or perceived charisma in the director's eyes rather than actual talent.
What's particularly jarring is the sheer lack of effort to portray believable teenagers. The dialogue is riddled with constructed, unnatural language that feels terribly inauthentic. In their desperate attempt to mimic youthful slang, the writers have gone overboard, resulting in conversations that are not only unrealistic but sometimes downright ridiculous.
Direction and Script: A Comprehensive Failure
In previous years, Russian series occasionally delighted viewers with engaging plots or directorial flair, but those expectations simply do not hold water in this venture. A pervasive absence of logic permeates the script, coupled with lackluster directing that is palpable in every episode. Consequently, the series comes across as both talentless and derivative.
Why Did "Chewing Gum" Flop?
- Unprofessional Casting Choices.
Casting adult actors to portray teenagers with visible maturity is an obvious misstep. - Artificial Dialogue.
In their quest for relevance, the writers conjured up a new lingo that rings false to the ears. - Dearth of Fresh Ideas.
The plot fails to offer anything novel, intriguing, or original. - Lackadaisical Direction.
Instead of well-crafted scenes, viewers are subjected to unsubstantiated emotional meltdowns and stock conflicts.
Who Is This Series For?
To be frank, it’s even difficult to conceive which audience might appreciate this endeavor. Youth is unlikely to find any relatable figures among the characters presented, while older generations will probably not wish to waste their time on this superficial and senseless spectacle.
Overall Impression: A Fruitless Time Investment
Expectations surrounding "Chewing Gum" were dashed across the board. The series unfolds like a collection of clichés and absurdities that evoke neither laughter nor tears. Even amid the landscape of other modern Russian shows, it stands out as particularly weak.
Audience reactions appear to mirror this sentiment. Comments frequently include terms like "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent." This feedback is entirely justified, as the project disappoints at every level—from acting to the core storyline.
What’s the Final Verdict?
"Chewing Gum" serves as yet another stark example of how contemporary Russian cinema continues to hit rock bottom. If you find yourself with some free time, it would be far more rewarding to devote it to higher-quality content. The conclusion is clear: investing eight hours into this series would be akin to squandering precious moments of your life.