Chewing Gum (2024) Review: Disappointing Lack of Depth
The show "Chewing Gum" (2024) stands as a glaring testament to how the film industry sometimes resorts to cliched tropes and simplistic gimmicks to snag audience attention—yet fails to deliver fresh concepts or quality execution. This project is reminiscent of many contemporary Russian series, sparking confusion not just due to its content but also its presentation format.
Plot: A Familiar Disappointment
The title "Chewing Gum" speaks volumes. What was intended to be a coming-of-age tale infused with social satire has devolved into a ridiculous farce. From the very first scenes, viewers are confronted with a glaring inconsistency: the ages of the actors do not align with their roles. The main characters, supposed to be high school graduates, present themselves more as individuals in their late twenties to early thirties. Their mannerisms, behaviors, and language are far removed from what one would expect of adolescence, shattering any chance to perceive the series as realistic.
Acting Performance: Cringe Over Talent
The casting choices warrant a discussion of their own. While a couple of actors manage to perform reasonably well, they do little to salvage the overall ensemble. A majority of them seem to meander through their scenes, reveling in the mere act of participating rather than genuinely inhabiting their characters. It feels as though the casting process was less about talent and more about personal connections or a charismatic rapport with the director.
Most notably, the performers make no effort to portray teenagers convincingly. They resort to artificial, contrived dialogue that sounds so forced that it leaves the audience bewildered. In their eagerness to mimic youth slang, the screenwriters evidently overreached, resulting in dialogues that come across as not only unnatural but sometimes comically ludicrous.
Direction and Script: A Downfall at Every Turn
In bygone days, even Russian television series occasionally delighted audiences with intriguing storylines or creative directorial choices; however, those expectations have evaporated in this instance. A lack of coherence in the script combined with lackluster direction manifests in virtually every episode. As a result, the series feels talentless and derivative.
Why Did "Chewing Gum" Flop?
- Unprofessional Casting Choices.
Having actors clearly over the age of 25 play teenagers is a fundamental misstep. - Unnatural Dialogue.
In an effort to remain relevant, the writers created a form of "newspeak" that lacks authenticity. - Absence of Fresh Ideas.
The storyline presents nothing novel, engaging, or unique. - Sloppy Direction.
Instead of well-crafted scenes, audiences are treated to illogical emotional outbursts and stereotypical conflicts.
Who is This Series For?
Frankly, it is hard to fathom which demographic might appreciate this project. It’s unlikely that the youth would find themselves reflected in these characters, and the older generation will hardly be inclined to invest their time in such an insipid and hollow spectacle.
Overall Impression: A Wasted Opportunity
Expectations for "Chewing Gum" have fallen flat across the board. The series unfolds like a collection of clichés and absurdities that elicit neither laughter nor tears. Even when placed alongside other modern Russian series, it appears painfully weak.
Audience feedback seems to echo this sentiment. Comments frequently include terms like "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent." This reaction is entirely justified, as the project disappoints at every level—from acting to storytelling.
So What’s the Verdict?
"Chewing Gum" serves as yet another illustration of how contemporary Russian cinema continues to scrape the bottom of the barrel. If you find yourself with leisure time, it's wiser to dedicate it to more substantive content. The conclusion is clear: watching this series is equivalent to squandering eight hours of your life.