James Bramble
@bramblejim.bsky.social
Father. Attorney. Human rights. Cyclist. Runner. Triathlon. Cancer survivor. Film Buff. Utes. Jazz. Do what is right let the consequence follow.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - an unlikely couple
Breakfast Club (1985)
This movie defined my childhood. At one point I could quote it from beginning to end. Spoiler alert . . . the princess ends up with the criminal.
Breakfast Club (1985)
This movie defined my childhood. At one point I could quote it from beginning to end. Spoiler alert . . . the princess ends up with the criminal.
a woman wearing a black leather glove is being touched by a man .
ALT: a woman wearing a black leather glove is being touched by a man .
media.tenor.com
February 1, 2026 at 1:22 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - an unlikely couple
Breakfast Club (1985)
This movie defined my childhood. At one point I could quote it from beginning to end. Spoiler alert . . . the princess ends up with the criminal.
Breakfast Club (1985)
This movie defined my childhood. At one point I could quote it from beginning to end. Spoiler alert . . . the princess ends up with the criminal.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - turns a page
The Princess Bride (1987)
Colombo? No. Peter Falk’s most memorable role for me is Fred Savage’s grandfather. Outwardly gruffy, but secretly a tender and loving guardian, just the way grandpas are.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Colombo? No. Peter Falk’s most memorable role for me is Fred Savage’s grandfather. Outwardly gruffy, but secretly a tender and loving guardian, just the way grandpas are.
a man and a boy are sitting in a room with a bag of cheetos on the shelf .
ALT: a man and a boy are sitting in a room with a bag of cheetos on the shelf .
media.tenor.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:38 AM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - turns a page
The Princess Bride (1987)
Colombo? No. Peter Falk’s most memorable role for me is Fred Savage’s grandfather. Outwardly gruffy, but secretly a tender and loving guardian, just the way grandpas are.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Colombo? No. Peter Falk’s most memorable role for me is Fred Savage’s grandfather. Outwardly gruffy, but secretly a tender and loving guardian, just the way grandpas are.
January 29, 2026 at 12:39 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - astronomer
Le Petit Prince (2015)
I love the stop motion animation 😍 woven into CGI. Cheating because the Turkish astronomer who spots the little prince’s asteroid in the original story is not a focus of the film. But I waned to recommend it because it’s lovely.
Le Petit Prince (2015)
I love the stop motion animation 😍 woven into CGI. Cheating because the Turkish astronomer who spots the little prince’s asteroid in the original story is not a focus of the film. But I waned to recommend it because it’s lovely.
January 28, 2026 at 9:17 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - astronomer
Le Petit Prince (2015)
I love the stop motion animation 😍 woven into CGI. Cheating because the Turkish astronomer who spots the little prince’s asteroid in the original story is not a focus of the film. But I waned to recommend it because it’s lovely.
Le Petit Prince (2015)
I love the stop motion animation 😍 woven into CGI. Cheating because the Turkish astronomer who spots the little prince’s asteroid in the original story is not a focus of the film. But I waned to recommend it because it’s lovely.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - china
Every seventh person (2006)
One in 7 people on earth is a farmer in china. Such a fascinating statistic. This exceptional documentary explores the lives of 3 different kinds of farmers in 3 villages. You won’t be disappointed.
Every seventh person (2006)
One in 7 people on earth is a farmer in china. Such a fascinating statistic. This exceptional documentary explores the lives of 3 different kinds of farmers in 3 villages. You won’t be disappointed.
January 27, 2026 at 1:14 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - china
Every seventh person (2006)
One in 7 people on earth is a farmer in china. Such a fascinating statistic. This exceptional documentary explores the lives of 3 different kinds of farmers in 3 villages. You won’t be disappointed.
Every seventh person (2006)
One in 7 people on earth is a farmer in china. Such a fascinating statistic. This exceptional documentary explores the lives of 3 different kinds of farmers in 3 villages. You won’t be disappointed.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge -dragonfly
Caveman (1982)
All star cast but when it comes to parody slapstick this is no Airplane. But it does have some funny scenes including the giant bug squash.
Caveman (1982)
All star cast but when it comes to parody slapstick this is no Airplane. But it does have some funny scenes including the giant bug squash.
January 26, 2026 at 11:59 AM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge -dragonfly
Caveman (1982)
All star cast but when it comes to parody slapstick this is no Airplane. But it does have some funny scenes including the giant bug squash.
Caveman (1982)
All star cast but when it comes to parody slapstick this is no Airplane. But it does have some funny scenes including the giant bug squash.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge -NATO
Red Dawn (1984)
In the 80s when NATO is dissolved and nukes are removed from Europe the Ruskies attack. They inexplicably want rural Colorado and even more inexplicably lose to high school kids.
Red Dawn (1984)
In the 80s when NATO is dissolved and nukes are removed from Europe the Ruskies attack. They inexplicably want rural Colorado and even more inexplicably lose to high school kids.
January 25, 2026 at 1:58 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge -NATO
Red Dawn (1984)
In the 80s when NATO is dissolved and nukes are removed from Europe the Ruskies attack. They inexplicably want rural Colorado and even more inexplicably lose to high school kids.
Red Dawn (1984)
In the 80s when NATO is dissolved and nukes are removed from Europe the Ruskies attack. They inexplicably want rural Colorado and even more inexplicably lose to high school kids.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - playing cards
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
When I was a teen we would see the midnight showing of this film at a local art house and there was audience participation. At this scene we were supposed to throw playing cards.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
When I was a teen we would see the midnight showing of this film at a local art house and there was audience participation. At this scene we were supposed to throw playing cards.
January 23, 2026 at 1:39 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - playing cards
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
When I was a teen we would see the midnight showing of this film at a local art house and there was audience participation. At this scene we were supposed to throw playing cards.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
When I was a teen we would see the midnight showing of this film at a local art house and there was audience participation. At this scene we were supposed to throw playing cards.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - an ankle
The Birdcage (1996)
It’s dated, has exaggerated stereotypes and uncomfortable straight passing. But it holds up brilliantly because it treats its characters with respect, not as a punchline. We love Albert and his pink socks. @januarymovie.bsky.social
The Birdcage (1996)
It’s dated, has exaggerated stereotypes and uncomfortable straight passing. But it holds up brilliantly because it treats its characters with respect, not as a punchline. We love Albert and his pink socks. @januarymovie.bsky.social
a man in a suit and tie is sitting on a couch with the words one does want a hint of color below him
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is sitting on a couch with the words one does want a hint of color below him
media.tenor.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:22 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - an ankle
The Birdcage (1996)
It’s dated, has exaggerated stereotypes and uncomfortable straight passing. But it holds up brilliantly because it treats its characters with respect, not as a punchline. We love Albert and his pink socks. @januarymovie.bsky.social
The Birdcage (1996)
It’s dated, has exaggerated stereotypes and uncomfortable straight passing. But it holds up brilliantly because it treats its characters with respect, not as a punchline. We love Albert and his pink socks. @januarymovie.bsky.social
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - square or cube
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Miles invites people to his murder mystery game using an intricate cube puzzle box. The puzzle box itself contains several different sub-puzzles, some of them are square.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Miles invites people to his murder mystery game using an intricate cube puzzle box. The puzzle box itself contains several different sub-puzzles, some of them are square.
January 21, 2026 at 12:14 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - square or cube
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Miles invites people to his murder mystery game using an intricate cube puzzle box. The puzzle box itself contains several different sub-puzzles, some of them are square.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Miles invites people to his murder mystery game using an intricate cube puzzle box. The puzzle box itself contains several different sub-puzzles, some of them are square.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - someone is saved
Star Wars (1977)
When 7 yr old me saw Star Wars in Dolby and heard Luke tell Leia “I’m Luke Skywalker and I’m here to rescue you”, my heart jumped and I knew I wanted to rescue fair maidens in distress when I grew up.
Star Wars (1977)
When 7 yr old me saw Star Wars in Dolby and heard Luke tell Leia “I’m Luke Skywalker and I’m here to rescue you”, my heart jumped and I knew I wanted to rescue fair maidens in distress when I grew up.
a man in a stormtrooper uniform is talking to luke skywalker in a star wars scene .
ALT: a man in a stormtrooper uniform is talking to luke skywalker in a star wars scene .
media.tenor.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:06 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - someone is saved
Star Wars (1977)
When 7 yr old me saw Star Wars in Dolby and heard Luke tell Leia “I’m Luke Skywalker and I’m here to rescue you”, my heart jumped and I knew I wanted to rescue fair maidens in distress when I grew up.
Star Wars (1977)
When 7 yr old me saw Star Wars in Dolby and heard Luke tell Leia “I’m Luke Skywalker and I’m here to rescue you”, my heart jumped and I knew I wanted to rescue fair maidens in distress when I grew up.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - god like character
Oh God (1977)
George Burns plays the almighty in a gentle, witty and deceptively understated way. Rather than force and power he uses reason and charm to succeed. And the traditional Burns dry timing is quite funny.
Oh God (1977)
George Burns plays the almighty in a gentle, witty and deceptively understated way. Rather than force and power he uses reason and charm to succeed. And the traditional Burns dry timing is quite funny.
January 19, 2026 at 12:23 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - god like character
Oh God (1977)
George Burns plays the almighty in a gentle, witty and deceptively understated way. Rather than force and power he uses reason and charm to succeed. And the traditional Burns dry timing is quite funny.
Oh God (1977)
George Burns plays the almighty in a gentle, witty and deceptively understated way. Rather than force and power he uses reason and charm to succeed. And the traditional Burns dry timing is quite funny.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - nurturing character
Todo Sobre Mi Madre (1999)
Manuela's love is unconditional and self-sacrificing. Please see this powerful celebration of family, including chosen and non-traditional families. It is Almodovar's masterpiece.
Todo Sobre Mi Madre (1999)
Manuela's love is unconditional and self-sacrificing. Please see this powerful celebration of family, including chosen and non-traditional families. It is Almodovar's masterpiece.
January 18, 2026 at 12:17 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - nurturing character
Todo Sobre Mi Madre (1999)
Manuela's love is unconditional and self-sacrificing. Please see this powerful celebration of family, including chosen and non-traditional families. It is Almodovar's masterpiece.
Todo Sobre Mi Madre (1999)
Manuela's love is unconditional and self-sacrificing. Please see this powerful celebration of family, including chosen and non-traditional families. It is Almodovar's masterpiece.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - iron
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Lady Eboshi is one of my favorite villlans. In true Miyazaki style she is not pure evil, but rather nuanced. While her iron factory is destroying the environment, she also gives jobs to and fights for the marginalized.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Lady Eboshi is one of my favorite villlans. In true Miyazaki style she is not pure evil, but rather nuanced. While her iron factory is destroying the environment, she also gives jobs to and fights for the marginalized.
a close up of a woman 's face with her eyes closed and her tongue hanging out
ALT: a close up of a woman 's face with her eyes closed and her tongue hanging out
media.tenor.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:27 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - iron
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Lady Eboshi is one of my favorite villlans. In true Miyazaki style she is not pure evil, but rather nuanced. While her iron factory is destroying the environment, she also gives jobs to and fights for the marginalized.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Lady Eboshi is one of my favorite villlans. In true Miyazaki style she is not pure evil, but rather nuanced. While her iron factory is destroying the environment, she also gives jobs to and fights for the marginalized.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - first born
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
After their home is destroyed in an American firebombing and their mother is killed, it falls on Seita to care for his younger sister Setsuko in a bid to survive. Heartbreaking. Saddest movie I’ve ever seen. But also brilliant.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
After their home is destroyed in an American firebombing and their mother is killed, it falls on Seita to care for his younger sister Setsuko in a bid to survive. Heartbreaking. Saddest movie I’ve ever seen. But also brilliant.
a man and a child are standing in a field with fireflies flying around them
ALT: a man and a child are standing in a field with fireflies flying around them
media.tenor.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:44 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - first born
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
After their home is destroyed in an American firebombing and their mother is killed, it falls on Seita to care for his younger sister Setsuko in a bid to survive. Heartbreaking. Saddest movie I’ve ever seen. But also brilliant.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
After their home is destroyed in an American firebombing and their mother is killed, it falls on Seita to care for his younger sister Setsuko in a bid to survive. Heartbreaking. Saddest movie I’ve ever seen. But also brilliant.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - set in a specific year
Roma (2018)
Cuarón is a true artist. Roma, THE best picture of 2018, is loosely based on Cuarón’s own experiences and follows the life of a live in indigenous housekeeper of an upper middle class Mexican family in 1970.
Roma (2018)
Cuarón is a true artist. Roma, THE best picture of 2018, is loosely based on Cuarón’s own experiences and follows the life of a live in indigenous housekeeper of an upper middle class Mexican family in 1970.
January 15, 2026 at 11:30 AM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - set in a specific year
Roma (2018)
Cuarón is a true artist. Roma, THE best picture of 2018, is loosely based on Cuarón’s own experiences and follows the life of a live in indigenous housekeeper of an upper middle class Mexican family in 1970.
Roma (2018)
Cuarón is a true artist. Roma, THE best picture of 2018, is loosely based on Cuarón’s own experiences and follows the life of a live in indigenous housekeeper of an upper middle class Mexican family in 1970.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - social media
Eighth Grade (2018)
Kayla publishes vlogs and spends time on social media. Junior high was not easy for me and I found this look at the awkwardness, self doubt, and anxiety of middle school to be emotionally relatable and honest.
Eighth Grade (2018)
Kayla publishes vlogs and spends time on social media. Junior high was not easy for me and I found this look at the awkwardness, self doubt, and anxiety of middle school to be emotionally relatable and honest.
January 14, 2026 at 11:53 AM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - social media
Eighth Grade (2018)
Kayla publishes vlogs and spends time on social media. Junior high was not easy for me and I found this look at the awkwardness, self doubt, and anxiety of middle school to be emotionally relatable and honest.
Eighth Grade (2018)
Kayla publishes vlogs and spends time on social media. Junior high was not easy for me and I found this look at the awkwardness, self doubt, and anxiety of middle school to be emotionally relatable and honest.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - a rainbow
The Bible: in the beginning (1966)
John Houston directed an all star cast recreating the first couple of chapters of the Old Testament. Including the rainbow promise by God not to destroy the earth by flood again.
The Bible: in the beginning (1966)
John Houston directed an all star cast recreating the first couple of chapters of the Old Testament. Including the rainbow promise by God not to destroy the earth by flood again.
January 13, 2026 at 12:27 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - a rainbow
The Bible: in the beginning (1966)
John Houston directed an all star cast recreating the first couple of chapters of the Old Testament. Including the rainbow promise by God not to destroy the earth by flood again.
The Bible: in the beginning (1966)
John Houston directed an all star cast recreating the first couple of chapters of the Old Testament. Including the rainbow promise by God not to destroy the earth by flood again.
#Bales2026FilmChallenge - character is 26
Tangled (2010)
Zachary Levi was 30 when he played Flynn Rider. But Flynn, who later became a gif star, is 26.
Tangled (2010)
Zachary Levi was 30 when he played Flynn Rider. But Flynn, who later became a gif star, is 26.
a cartoon character with the words how ya doin on the bottom
ALT: a cartoon character with the words how ya doin on the bottom
media.tenor.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:06 PM
#Bales2026FilmChallenge - character is 26
Tangled (2010)
Zachary Levi was 30 when he played Flynn Rider. But Flynn, who later became a gif star, is 26.
Tangled (2010)
Zachary Levi was 30 when he played Flynn Rider. But Flynn, who later became a gif star, is 26.
#Bales2026FilmChallenge - 26
Grease (1978)
Rydell High is a high school for the middle age. Susan Buckner is 26. But that’s a baby compared to ONJ who was 30 or Stockard Channing who was 34.
Grease (1978)
Rydell High is a high school for the middle age. Susan Buckner is 26. But that’s a baby compared to ONJ who was 30 or Stockard Channing who was 34.
January 11, 2026 at 5:18 PM
#Bales2026FilmChallenge - 26
Grease (1978)
Rydell High is a high school for the middle age. Susan Buckner is 26. But that’s a baby compared to ONJ who was 30 or Stockard Channing who was 34.
Grease (1978)
Rydell High is a high school for the middle age. Susan Buckner is 26. But that’s a baby compared to ONJ who was 30 or Stockard Channing who was 34.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - a character adopts a pet
Fantastic Planet (1973)
The Draags keep humans as pets. Terr is taken as a pet. One day he escapes and hides in the wilderness. Surreal and striking cult classic with a killer soundtrack.
Fantastic Planet (1973)
The Draags keep humans as pets. Terr is taken as a pet. One day he escapes and hides in the wilderness. Surreal and striking cult classic with a killer soundtrack.
a painting of a group of people running in a field with purple plants in the background
ALT: a painting of a group of people running in a field with purple plants in the background
media.tenor.com
January 10, 2026 at 11:43 AM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - a character adopts a pet
Fantastic Planet (1973)
The Draags keep humans as pets. Terr is taken as a pet. One day he escapes and hides in the wilderness. Surreal and striking cult classic with a killer soundtrack.
Fantastic Planet (1973)
The Draags keep humans as pets. Terr is taken as a pet. One day he escapes and hides in the wilderness. Surreal and striking cult classic with a killer soundtrack.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - goes to a new (for them) country
Is Capitano (2023)
Rarely have I seen a migrant journey told more powerfully and beautifully. This story of 2 teens trying to get from Dakar to Europe. It is one of the best films of the last 10 years.
Is Capitano (2023)
Rarely have I seen a migrant journey told more powerfully and beautifully. This story of 2 teens trying to get from Dakar to Europe. It is one of the best films of the last 10 years.
January 9, 2026 at 12:34 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - goes to a new (for them) country
Is Capitano (2023)
Rarely have I seen a migrant journey told more powerfully and beautifully. This story of 2 teens trying to get from Dakar to Europe. It is one of the best films of the last 10 years.
Is Capitano (2023)
Rarely have I seen a migrant journey told more powerfully and beautifully. This story of 2 teens trying to get from Dakar to Europe. It is one of the best films of the last 10 years.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - clothes shopping
Pretty in Pink (1986)
I love Harry Dean Stanton in everything, but he was never more likable than as Andie’s single dad who doesn’t have a job but still buys her the prom dress he can afford.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
I love Harry Dean Stanton in everything, but he was never more likable than as Andie’s single dad who doesn’t have a job but still buys her the prom dress he can afford.
January 8, 2026 at 12:12 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - clothes shopping
Pretty in Pink (1986)
I love Harry Dean Stanton in everything, but he was never more likable than as Andie’s single dad who doesn’t have a job but still buys her the prom dress he can afford.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
I love Harry Dean Stanton in everything, but he was never more likable than as Andie’s single dad who doesn’t have a job but still buys her the prom dress he can afford.
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - an expensive gift
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Wonka: But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.
Charlie: What happened?
Wonka: He lived happily ever after.i
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Wonka: But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.
Charlie: What happened?
Wonka: He lived happily ever after.i
a man wearing a top hat and a purple suit talks to another man
ALT: a man wearing a top hat and a purple suit talks to another man
media.tenor.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:34 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - an expensive gift
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Wonka: But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.
Charlie: What happened?
Wonka: He lived happily ever after.i
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Wonka: But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.
Charlie: What happened?
Wonka: He lived happily ever after.i
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - pays a big bill
It’s a wonderful life (1946)
George Bailey’s community effectively wipes out his entire crushing debt out of compassion.
It’s a wonderful life (1946)
George Bailey’s community effectively wipes out his entire crushing debt out of compassion.
a black and white photo of a man and woman holding a small child
ALT: a black and white photo of a man and woman holding a small child
media.tenor.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:50 PM
#Bales2026MovieChallenge - pays a big bill
It’s a wonderful life (1946)
George Bailey’s community effectively wipes out his entire crushing debt out of compassion.
It’s a wonderful life (1946)
George Bailey’s community effectively wipes out his entire crushing debt out of compassion.