kim_shea_berg Reviews

Saltburn (2023)

Clever but has been done much better before

[4/10 · 3 January 2024]

Everyone is saying how this is a rip off of the Talented Mr. Ripely. Maybe. But I see it as an ominous version of Le Tartuffe or Down and Out in Beverly Hills with a little Wes Anderson flavor mixed in, maybe even with a dash of Ed Norton from Primal Fear. It is odd and quirk and repeats an overused storyline of people being duped. But it doesn't really pull it off completely. Oliver's family appears in the storyline and then they aren't really brought up again. The deaths are all suspicious, yet each time, the next death isn't stopped. I understand the vapid mother who refuses to accept the truth because it would ruin the insincere and fake life she leads, but still, c'mon. The movie is clever but not clever enough, though the the visuals of the film and the music aren't bad. No need to rush to see this.

The Flight Attendant (2020–2022)

Fun & Keeps You Guessing

[9/10 · 2 November 2023]

I really enjoyed this show, so I'm not sure why all the negativity about season 2. Yes, season 2 was a departure from season 1, but it really showed Kaley Cuoco's acting chops and that the story wasn't formulaic. I especially liked how the show focused on the struggle of an alcoholic (I thought it did a good job on that) and how a person's inner voice can create challenges. The story kept me engaged, but at the same time I didn't have to concentrate too hard. Is it a drama? A comedy? A mystery? It's kind of all of that blended together. I liked the premise, storyline, casting, acting and ending. In a world where I'm usually very bored with new shows these days, this one held me captive. I highly recommend watching.

Barbie (I) (2023)

How does the Barbie movie have good ratings? How?!

[1/10 · 23 July 2023]

First, I can't believe I went to this movie. My 18 year old daughter wanted to go so I said ok. I watched the first 20 minutes in disbelief - with my internal voice asking, "How did this movie ever get made?" The story is stupid. The acting is bad. The movie tries to be a cross between The Wizard of Oz, La La Land, Being John Malkovich and The Truman Show but fails on all attempts. Is it a musical, comedy, drama, spoof? Yes to all. But again, it fails miserably on all attempts. Oh - and have I mentioned how we women are supposed to be superior to men? Like the Woo Girls in HIMYM, it's just sad. I'll never get my time or money back, so I recommend you just save your money and go see something else. I just can't believe this film has good reviews. It must me a new way to market films - pay a whole bunch of people to talk it up and write good reviews on social media, and then you'll get the crowds on opening weekend. You've been warned.

Clocking Off (2000–2003)

Everyone Has a Sordid Story

[8/10 · 3 February 2023]

Clocking Off is a series about people who work at a factory together, and each episode dives into one person's personal life. And, of course, each person has some sort of sordid tale to tell. I honestly didn't love Episode 1 but have now watched episodes 2 and 3 and will continue (episode 3 is actually a very good storyline that is really well acted). The actors are great and believable in their roles even if, at times, the sordid nature of the stories might go a bit too far. Trudy, the assistant to the head boss, is great. She knows all and manages things smartly and efficiently. It's worth a watch - but don't give up after just episode 1 as I almost did.

Sprung (2022– )

Laughing out Loud

[10/10 · 26 January 2023]

If you just want a fun, crazy show to watch, this is it. It has qualities similar to Drowning Mona; You, Me & the Apocalypse; and Bowfinger. The wacky premise (the early release from jail of 3 convicts - as Covid shuts down the country - who end up at one mom's house and pursue some less-than-honest endeavors) is mixed with a bunch of sincerely witty and sharp humor. I have no idea how I stumbled upon this show but am so glad I did. Martha Plimpton (as the outrageous mom) and the entire cast do an outstanding job at holding my attention. And, as stated, I find myself happily laughing out loud!

Ask Me Anything (2014)

Much more than meets the eye

[8/10 · 30 March 2022]

I watched this movie three nights ago and can't stop thinking about it. That, to me, is always a sign of a good movie. So I feel I need to leave a review here. It's odd, though, because the movie - at quick glance - doesn't seem amazing. But by the time to you finish, you realize you've gone on quite a journey. And it would be simple to say that this is a coming of age story, but I beg to differ.

This is a story about perception and misperceptions, what is and isn't, what we wish for and what we get (or don't get). I'm no film expert, but if I were I'd want to explore and analyze this one. I'm being vague here on purpose because I don't want to give the movie away but I'm hoping someone else can watch this movie and see what I'm seeing. The acting is great, the storyline is memorable, and the aftermath is haunting as well as lingering.

*slight hint at a spoiler coming*

This movie reminds me a bit of the French movie He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (or in French: À La Follie, Pas du Tout) which I feel has better execution. But, Ask Me Anything was still a worthy ride.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Cannot Believe People Liked This

[1/10 · 27 December 2021]

Boring. Political messages that try to make a point but fall flat. Poor acting. Deep Impact meets Mars Attacks is just as horrible as one might expect. I still am in shock that so many people find this movie funny.

Fosse/Verdon (2019)

Not Fosse-ish Enough and Boy, Were They BOTH Out for Themselves

[5/10 · 31 May 2019]

So, I love Bob Fosse and I love Sam Rockwell. I thought I'd love this show. Not so. I did watch all episodes and, in general, was entertained, but it wasn't Fosse-ish enough. What does that mean? Well, Fosse was meticulous with every move, every tilt of the head, every hip movement. We didn't get that in any of the dance scenes. And as for the dance scenes, well, there weren't enough of them.

But onto the acting. Michelle Williams sounded just like Gwen Verdon, but she certainly didn't move like her. And Rockwell didn't move like Fosse, though he got better as the series went on. I guess I expected great dancing given it's about Fosse after all, but, alas, that was a letdown.

I definitely learned some stuff about their lives that I never knew, so that was good. But what I most learned was that they both were so narcissistic. Everyone is quick to say Fosse was a scoundrel - but Verdon? She abandoned her first born - and as best we can tell, never looked back. And she clearly put her career ahead of her daughter which ultimately led that daughter down a road of drugs and rehabilitation.

Is this series worth watch? Sure. Is it going to win awards? Probably. Do I want to watch All that Jazz now and get my Fosse fix. Yup.

Dead to Me (2019–2022)

Sad, funny, heartfelt, dry - what a ride!

[10/10 · 4 May 2019]

I just blew through all ten episodes and they leave me wanting more. I can't believe I have to wait for the next season. The story is sort of a mix of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Fatal Attraction, Drowning Mona and Just Between Friends (with Mary Tyler Moore - if you haven't seen it, I recommend it). A black comedy, it's the story of a woman, whose husband died tragically, who makes a quirky new friend through a grief club. There are so many twists and turns that you just can't imagine what's going to come next. The script is great, the acting is fantastic, and the emotion is palpable. I highly recommend it - but you may want to wait to watch season 1 until season 2 is out so you're not left feeling the way I feel now!