Why "Young Hearts" (2024) is a Cinematic Disaster

Hollywood has done it again, folks! "Young Hearts," the 2024 film that was supposed to be a heartwarming tale of teenage love and self-discovery, has instead turned into a cinematic disaster. Directed by the up-and-coming filmmaker Jane Doe, this movie was released in theaters nationwide on February 14, 2024, just in time for Valentine's Day. Set in the picturesque town of Maplewood, the film follows the lives of two high school students as they navigate the complexities of young love. But why, you ask, is this film such a disaster? Let me count the ways.

First off, the casting is a complete joke. The lead actors, who are supposed to be portraying high school students, look like they just walked off the set of a daytime soap opera. It's hard to take a film seriously when the "teenagers" look like they're pushing 30. Hollywood's obsession with casting older actors to play younger roles is not only unrealistic but also downright insulting to the audience's intelligence.

The script is another major issue. Written by a team of writers who clearly have no idea what teenagers actually talk like, the dialogue is cringeworthy at best. It's filled with outdated slang and awkward attempts at humor that fall flat. The writers seem to have forgotten that teenagers today are more connected and informed than ever before, and their conversations reflect that. Instead, we're left with a script that feels like it was written by someone who hasn't set foot in a high school in decades.

The film's portrayal of teenage relationships is also problematic. Instead of offering a nuanced and realistic depiction of young love, "Young Hearts" resorts to tired clichés and stereotypes. The female lead is portrayed as a helpless damsel in distress, while the male lead is the typical brooding bad boy with a heart of gold. It's 2024, and yet we're still being fed the same old tropes that have been done to death.

The soundtrack is another area where the film falls short. Instead of featuring music that resonates with today's youth, the film relies on a mix of generic pop songs and uninspired original tracks. Music is a crucial element in any film, especially one aimed at a younger audience, and "Young Hearts" fails to deliver on this front.

The cinematography is equally disappointing. Despite being set in the beautiful town of Maplewood, the film's visuals are bland and uninspired. The director seems to have missed the memo that a film's setting can be a character in its own right, adding depth and richness to the story. Instead, we're left with a series of forgettable shots that do nothing to enhance the narrative.

The pacing of the film is another major flaw. At nearly two hours long, "Young Hearts" drags on with unnecessary subplots and filler scenes that add nothing to the story. By the time the credits roll, you'll be left wondering why you wasted your time on a film that could have easily been trimmed down to a more manageable length.

The film's attempt at addressing important social issues is also poorly executed. While it's commendable that the filmmakers wanted to tackle topics like mental health and identity, their approach is heavy-handed and lacks the subtlety needed to make a real impact. Instead of sparking meaningful conversations, the film's treatment of these issues comes across as preachy and insincere.

The marketing for "Young Hearts" was misleading, to say the least. The trailers promised a fresh and modern take on teenage romance, but what we got was a rehash of tired tropes and uninspired storytelling. It's no wonder that audiences are leaving theaters feeling disappointed and let down.

Finally, the film's ending is a complete cop-out. After sitting through nearly two hours of predictable plot twists and contrived drama, the audience is rewarded with an ending that feels rushed and unsatisfying. It's as if the filmmakers ran out of ideas and decided to wrap things up as quickly as possible.

In the end, "Young Hearts" is a film that had the potential to be something special but ultimately falls flat on its face. It's a reminder that Hollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to creating authentic and engaging stories for young audiences. So, if you're looking for a film that truly captures the essence of teenage love, you'd be better off looking elsewhere.