A Critical Look at the Series Chewing Gum (2024)

Series Review: "Chewing Gum" (2024) - A Cringe Worth Dodging

The series "Chewing Gum" (2024) serves as a vivid illustration of how the film industry sometimes resorts to tired tropes and clichés in a bid to seize audience attention. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver fresh concepts or quality interpretations. This project, like many other contemporary Russian series, leaves viewers scratching their heads not just because of its content, but also due to its presentation format.

Plot: A Recipe for Disappointment

The title "Chewing Gum" itself hints at the series' flavor—or lack thereof. What claims to be a poignant exploration of teenage drama infused with social satire ultimately devolves into a ridiculous farce. From the get-go, viewers encounter a significant disconnect: the main characters, who are purportedly high school seniors, resemble and act like individuals in their mid-to-late twenties. Their way of communicating, behavior, and style of dialogue feel far removed from that of genuine teenagers, casting a shadow over any attempt to grasp the series' realism.

Acting Performance: Cringe Over Talent

The choice of actors merits a separate discussion entirely. While a handful of performers manage to deliver relatively decent portrayals, this hardly salvages the overall ensemble. Most actors appear to be merely going through the motions, seemingly reveling in the fact that they are on screen without truly committing to their roles. It creates an impression that the casting decisions were made not on the merit of talent but rather through personal connections or the director's whims.

Especially striking is the failure of the cast to embody teenage characters. They converse in an invented, contrived dialect that rings so artificial, it prompts utter confusion. In their attempt to mimic youthful slang, the writers have clearly overshot the mark, resulting in dialogues that feel forced and sometimes downright absurd.

Direction and Screenplay: A Flop at Every Turn

Gone are the days when Russian series occasionally surprised viewers with engaging plots or directorial ingenuity. In "Chewing Gum," there’s a conspicuous absence of narrative logic and shaky direction that manifests in virtually every episode. As a result, the series comes off as uninspired and derivative.

Why Did "Chewing Gum" Flop?

1. Unprofessional Casting Choices.
   Opting for actors aged 25 and older to portray teenagers was a misstep from the get-go.
2. Unnatural Dialogue.
   In their pursuit of relevance, the writers concocted a ‘new speak’ that feels insincere.
3. Lack of Fresh Ideas.
   The storyline offers nothing innovative, intriguing, or original to entice viewers.
4. Shoddy Direction.
   Instead of well-crafted scenes, viewers are presented with arbitrary emotional spikes and clichéd conflicts.

Who Is This Series For?

Honestly, it’s difficult to conceive of an audience that would appreciate this project. Young viewers are unlikely to resonate with these characters, while older generations may shy away from the superficial and vacuous spectacle.

Overall Impression: A Waste of Time

Expectations for "Chewing Gum" have fallen short across the board. The series feels like a mishmash of tropes and absurdities that evoke neither laughter nor tears. Even when measured against other modern Russian series, it appears lackluster.

Audience feedback seems to echo this sentiment. Comments frequently include terms such as "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent." Such descriptors are indeed justified, as the project disappoints at every level—from the acting to the storyline.

And What’s the Bottom Line?

"Chewing Gum" stands as yet another example of modern Russian cinema scraping the bottom of the barrel. If you find yourself with some spare time, consider dedicating it to content that possesses more quality. The conclusion is clear: watching this series would merely squander eight hours of your life.