Examining the Flaws of the 2024 Series 'Chewing Gum'

The 2024 series "Chewing Gum" stands out as a glaring demonstration of how the film industry often resorts to bland tropes and clichés in a bid to capture viewer interest—yet, it fails to deliver fresh concepts or quality execution. This production, akin to numerous contemporary Russian series, perplexes audiences not just due to its content but also thanks to its ineffective presentation format.

Plot: An Expected Letdown

The title "Chewing Gum" speaks volumes about what’s in store. The attempt to craft a coming-of-age drama laced with social satire has transformed into a ludicrous farce. From the very first moments, viewers are hit with a glaring disconnect between the ages of the actors and their characters. The so-called high school seniors are portrayed by individuals who appear to be in their mid-to-late twenties, creating a baffling cognitive dissonance. Their dialogue, behavior, and overall demeanor starkly contrast with that of typical adolescents, obliterating any chance of perceiving the series as a believable depiction of youth.

Acting: Cringe in Place of Talent

The casting choices deserve a mention of their own. While a handful of actors exhibit decent performances, these few bright spots do little to save the overall ensemble from mediocrity. Many cast members seem to wander aimlessly on stage, relishing the mere act of participating, yet failing to immerse themselves in their roles. It feels as though the casting process prioritized personal connections and affability in the director’s eye over actual skill or depth of character.

Especially disheartening is how the actors make no attempt to portray teenagers authentically. The dialogue unfolds in an exaggerated, contrived lingo that sounds so artificial it invites only incredulity. In their eagerness to emulate youthful slang, the writers have clearly lost their footing, resulting in conversations that feel forced and sometimes downright absurd.

Direction and Screenplay: A Failure Across the Board

In past years, Russian TV series occasionally astounded audiences with captivating narratives or inventive directorial choices, yet this series obliterates any expectation of such brilliance. A glaring absence of logic in the script and lackluster direction manifest in every episode. Consequently, the series emerges as a dull and derivative spectacle.

Why Did "Chewing Gum" Flop?

1. Unprofessional Casting Approach.
   Portraying teenagers with actors visibly over 25 is a colossal misstep.
2. Unnatural Dialogue.
   Chasing relevancy, the writers conjured a dialect that feels phony and contrived.
3. Lack of Fresh Ideas.
   The storyline presents nothing novel, engaging, or original.
4. Sloppy Directing.
   Instead of carefully crafted scenes, viewers are offered unfounded emotional outbursts and stereotypical conflicts.

Who is This Series For?

Frankly, it’s hard to envisage an audience that could find merit in this project. The youth likely won’t see themselves reflected in these characters, while older generations will find little appeal in such a superficial and insipid display.

Overall Impression: A Vacuous Waste of Time

Expectations surrounding "Chewing Gum" fell short at every level. The series resembles a compilation of tired clichés and nonsensical antics that evoke neither laughter nor tears. Even when compared to other modern Russian series, it presents as feeble.

Viewer feedback echoes this sentiment. Reactions frequently include terms like "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent." This criticism is justified as the project disappoints on nearly all fronts, from the acting to the narrative.

So What’s the Verdict?

"Chewing Gum" exemplifies a disheartening trend in contemporary Russian cinema—one that continues to hit rock bottom. If you find yourself with some free time, it’d be far better spent engaging with higher-quality content. The conclusion is crystal clear: watching this series equates to squandering eight hours of your life.