A Critical Review of the 2024 Series Chewing Gum
The Series "Chewing Gum" (2024): A Cringe That Can't Be Chewed
The series "Chewing Gum" released in 2024 stands as a glaring example of how the film industry attempts to capture viewer attention through mundane techniques and clichéd storytelling, yet fails to provide either fresh ideas or quality execution. This project, much like numerous other contemporary Russian television productions, arouses confusion not only due to its content but also its presentation format.
The Plot: Predictable Disappointment
The title "Chewing Gum" speaks volumes. The endeavor to portray a teenage drama interwoven with elements of social satire devolves into a ludicrous farce. From the very first scenes, viewers encounter a blatant mismatch between the ages of the actors and their roles. The main characters—alleged high school graduates—appear and behave like individuals well into their mid to late twenties. Their manner of speaking, behavior, and style starkly contradict the adolescent experience, obliterating any chance for the audience to perceive the series as realistic.
Acting: Cringe Over Talent
The casting of actors deserves a standalone discussion. Among the ensemble, there are a couple of performers who exhibit a degree of talent, but this hardly salvages the overall experience. Most of the cast members seem to frolic about on set, relishing the mere act of being part of the series, without making any effort to embody their roles. It becomes apparent that the casting process did not prioritize talent, but rather connections or perceived charisma in the eyes of the director.
An Unnatural Representation of Youth
It is especially noticeable that the actors make no attempts to convincingly portray teenagers. They communicate in a contrived, artificial dialect that sounds so forced it only elicits bewilderment. In their effort to mimic contemporary youth slang, the writers have clearly gone overboard, resulting in dialogues that feel unnatural and often ridiculous.
Direction and Script: A Failure on All Fronts
In the past, even Russian series occasionally surprised viewers with engaging storylines or directorial creativity. However, in "Chewing Gum", such expectations vanish without a trace. The absence of logical coherence in the script combined with subpar directing is evident in every episode. Consequently, the series appears devoid of flair and originality.
Why Did "Chewing Gum" Flop?
- Unprofessional Casting Choices.
Attempting to cast characters that are visibly 25+ to portray teenagers was a monumental misstep. - Unnatural Dialogue.
In their quest to remain relevant, the screenwriters crafted a form of "newspeak" that rings hollow. - Lack of New Ideas.
The story presents nothing novel, intriguing, or original. - Shoddy Directing.
Instead of well-thought-out scenes, viewers are treated to unsubstantiated emotional outbursts and stereotypical conflicts.
Who Is This Series For?
To be frank, it’s challenging to envision what audience would find merit in such a project. It’s unlikely that younger viewers will identify with these characters, while older generations will probably hesitate to invest their time in what is a superficial and nonsensical spectacle.
Overall Impression: A Waste of Time
Expectations surrounding "Chewing Gum" were dashed on every conceivable level. The series plays out like a collection of tropes and absurdities that incite neither laughter nor tears. Even when stacked against other modern Russian series, it still falters.
Viewer feedback generally echoes this sentiment. In the comments section, words like "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent" frequently appear. This reaction is entirely justified, as the project disappoints on all fronts—from the acting performances to the storyline.
So, What’s the Verdict?
In summation, "Chewing Gum" serves as just another instance of contemporary Russian cinema sinking to new lows. If you find yourself with spare time, consider dedicating it to higher-quality content instead. The conclusion is clear: choosing to watch this series is an outright waste of eight hours of your life.
In the landscape of Russian media, "Chewing Gum" does not simply miss the mark; it embodies a comprehensive misunderstanding of both storytelling and audience engagement, leaving many questioning the future direction of national programming.