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.
#Bales2025MovieChallenge - quiet and thoughtful
Perfect Days (2023)
This movie was such a pleasant surprise for me. It’s calm and meditative and deeply human glimpse of one ordinary life is pure poetry.
Perfect Days (2023)
This movie was such a pleasant surprise for me. It’s calm and meditative and deeply human glimpse of one ordinary life is pure poetry.
November 27, 2025 at 1:14 PM
#Bales2025MovieChallenge - quiet and thoughtful
Perfect Days (2023)
This movie was such a pleasant surprise for me. It’s calm and meditative and deeply human glimpse of one ordinary life is pure poetry.
Perfect Days (2023)
This movie was such a pleasant surprise for me. It’s calm and meditative and deeply human glimpse of one ordinary life is pure poetry.
#Bales2025FilmChallenge -- autumn to winter
Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
Fox meets wolf. I love that scene. Rushmore is my favorite Anderson, but Fox is right up there with it. And one of my favorite Clooneys.
“I’m asking if he thinks we’re in for a hard winter.”
Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
Fox meets wolf. I love that scene. Rushmore is my favorite Anderson, but Fox is right up there with it. And one of my favorite Clooneys.
“I’m asking if he thinks we’re in for a hard winter.”
November 21, 2025 at 1:05 PM
#Bales2025FilmChallenge -- autumn to winter
Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
Fox meets wolf. I love that scene. Rushmore is my favorite Anderson, but Fox is right up there with it. And one of my favorite Clooneys.
“I’m asking if he thinks we’re in for a hard winter.”
Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
Fox meets wolf. I love that scene. Rushmore is my favorite Anderson, but Fox is right up there with it. And one of my favorite Clooneys.
“I’m asking if he thinks we’re in for a hard winter.”
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - A reunion
Y tu mamá también (2001)
The final scene in Cuaron’s intimate coming of age road trip story is deeply emotional. Julio and Tenoch achingly want to reconnect, but they just can’t bridge the gap. This film is a masterpiece.
Y tu mamá también (2001)
The final scene in Cuaron’s intimate coming of age road trip story is deeply emotional. Julio and Tenoch achingly want to reconnect, but they just can’t bridge the gap. This film is a masterpiece.
November 20, 2025 at 12:19 PM
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - A reunion
Y tu mamá también (2001)
The final scene in Cuaron’s intimate coming of age road trip story is deeply emotional. Julio and Tenoch achingly want to reconnect, but they just can’t bridge the gap. This film is a masterpiece.
Y tu mamá también (2001)
The final scene in Cuaron’s intimate coming of age road trip story is deeply emotional. Julio and Tenoch achingly want to reconnect, but they just can’t bridge the gap. This film is a masterpiece.
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - A Journey
Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)
Powerful true story of three aboriginal children in Australia who were forcibly removed from their families to be servants to white families. They escape and walk home across a continent.
Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)
Powerful true story of three aboriginal children in Australia who were forcibly removed from their families to be servants to white families. They escape and walk home across a continent.
November 19, 2025 at 12:39 PM
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - A Journey
Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)
Powerful true story of three aboriginal children in Australia who were forcibly removed from their families to be servants to white families. They escape and walk home across a continent.
Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)
Powerful true story of three aboriginal children in Australia who were forcibly removed from their families to be servants to white families. They escape and walk home across a continent.
#bales2025moviechallenge - fire or fireplace
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - (2005)
There are many things that the Harry Potter movies get right (in general I am a fan). But travel / communicating via floo powder is not one of them.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - (2005)
There are many things that the Harry Potter movies get right (in general I am a fan). But travel / communicating via floo powder is not one of them.
November 17, 2025 at 12:01 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - fire or fireplace
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - (2005)
There are many things that the Harry Potter movies get right (in general I am a fan). But travel / communicating via floo powder is not one of them.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - (2005)
There are many things that the Harry Potter movies get right (in general I am a fan). But travel / communicating via floo powder is not one of them.
#bales2025moviechallenge - set in the woods or the mountains
Pan’s Labyrinth - (2006)
My favorite del Toro film. Dark fable that takes place in a forest during the Spanish Civil War that deals with fascism and magic that may or may not be real.
Pan’s Labyrinth - (2006)
My favorite del Toro film. Dark fable that takes place in a forest during the Spanish Civil War that deals with fascism and magic that may or may not be real.
November 16, 2025 at 1:11 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - set in the woods or the mountains
Pan’s Labyrinth - (2006)
My favorite del Toro film. Dark fable that takes place in a forest during the Spanish Civil War that deals with fascism and magic that may or may not be real.
Pan’s Labyrinth - (2006)
My favorite del Toro film. Dark fable that takes place in a forest during the Spanish Civil War that deals with fascism and magic that may or may not be real.
#bales2025moviechallenge - A strong sense of place
A River Run’s Through It (1992)
Montana, and specifically the river, is a leading star in this film about connection, memory and family (and how they are tied to place).
@ironicteachings
Comfort rewatch
A River Run’s Through It (1992)
Montana, and specifically the river, is a leading star in this film about connection, memory and family (and how they are tied to place).
@ironicteachings
Comfort rewatch
November 15, 2025 at 12:51 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - A strong sense of place
A River Run’s Through It (1992)
Montana, and specifically the river, is a leading star in this film about connection, memory and family (and how they are tied to place).
@ironicteachings
Comfort rewatch
A River Run’s Through It (1992)
Montana, and specifically the river, is a leading star in this film about connection, memory and family (and how they are tied to place).
@ironicteachings
Comfort rewatch
#bales2025moviechallenge - Watch under a blanket
The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
Not loved by critics, but the nostalgia is strong as one of the first scary movies I was allowed to watch. I love the supernatural horror vibe. Bette Davis is good as always.
The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
Not loved by critics, but the nostalgia is strong as one of the first scary movies I was allowed to watch. I love the supernatural horror vibe. Bette Davis is good as always.
November 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - Watch under a blanket
The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
Not loved by critics, but the nostalgia is strong as one of the first scary movies I was allowed to watch. I love the supernatural horror vibe. Bette Davis is good as always.
The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
Not loved by critics, but the nostalgia is strong as one of the first scary movies I was allowed to watch. I love the supernatural horror vibe. Bette Davis is good as always.
#bales2025moviechallenge - community
Anthropoid (2016)
Important film about the events leading to the Lidice massacre. The brave Czech community in Lidice endure torture and death rather than give up the hiding place of the assassins of Nazi Reinhard Heydrich.
Anthropoid (2016)
Important film about the events leading to the Lidice massacre. The brave Czech community in Lidice endure torture and death rather than give up the hiding place of the assassins of Nazi Reinhard Heydrich.
November 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - community
Anthropoid (2016)
Important film about the events leading to the Lidice massacre. The brave Czech community in Lidice endure torture and death rather than give up the hiding place of the assassins of Nazi Reinhard Heydrich.
Anthropoid (2016)
Important film about the events leading to the Lidice massacre. The brave Czech community in Lidice endure torture and death rather than give up the hiding place of the assassins of Nazi Reinhard Heydrich.
#bales2025moviechallenge - warms your heart
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
This special documentary elicited tears of joy in me. It’s a magical and amazing film that is pure goodness. 10/10
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
This special documentary elicited tears of joy in me. It’s a magical and amazing film that is pure goodness. 10/10
November 11, 2025 at 12:24 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - warms your heart
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
This special documentary elicited tears of joy in me. It’s a magical and amazing film that is pure goodness. 10/10
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
This special documentary elicited tears of joy in me. It’s a magical and amazing film that is pure goodness. 10/10
#bales2025moviechallenge - dysfunctional family
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece about two dysfunctional families, one rich and one poor, who exploit each other. Emotionally, artistically and intellectually it’s simply a brilliant film.
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece about two dysfunctional families, one rich and one poor, who exploit each other. Emotionally, artistically and intellectually it’s simply a brilliant film.
November 10, 2025 at 1:41 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - dysfunctional family
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece about two dysfunctional families, one rich and one poor, who exploit each other. Emotionally, artistically and intellectually it’s simply a brilliant film.
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece about two dysfunctional families, one rich and one poor, who exploit each other. Emotionally, artistically and intellectually it’s simply a brilliant film.
#bales2025moviechallenge - makes you grateful
Io Capitano (2023)
There is much to love about this beautiful film that gives faces and names to migrants and refugees. Stunning visually, 2 main leads are brilliant. But most of all it gave me hope in a weary weary world.
Io Capitano (2023)
There is much to love about this beautiful film that gives faces and names to migrants and refugees. Stunning visually, 2 main leads are brilliant. But most of all it gave me hope in a weary weary world.
November 9, 2025 at 1:42 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - makes you grateful
Io Capitano (2023)
There is much to love about this beautiful film that gives faces and names to migrants and refugees. Stunning visually, 2 main leads are brilliant. But most of all it gave me hope in a weary weary world.
Io Capitano (2023)
There is much to love about this beautiful film that gives faces and names to migrants and refugees. Stunning visually, 2 main leads are brilliant. But most of all it gave me hope in a weary weary world.
#bales2025moviechallenge - feast
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
I love this sweet and twisted fable of three homeless people, an alcoholic, a trans woman and a teenage runaway, on a Christmas Eve adventure to find a miracle. Starts looking for food and they share a meal in their tent/shelter.
it.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
I love this sweet and twisted fable of three homeless people, an alcoholic, a trans woman and a teenage runaway, on a Christmas Eve adventure to find a miracle. Starts looking for food and they share a meal in their tent/shelter.
it.
November 7, 2025 at 12:19 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - feast
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
I love this sweet and twisted fable of three homeless people, an alcoholic, a trans woman and a teenage runaway, on a Christmas Eve adventure to find a miracle. Starts looking for food and they share a meal in their tent/shelter.
it.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
I love this sweet and twisted fable of three homeless people, an alcoholic, a trans woman and a teenage runaway, on a Christmas Eve adventure to find a miracle. Starts looking for food and they share a meal in their tent/shelter.
it.
#bales2025moviechallenge - rainy day movie
Weapons (2025)
Not what you were expecting? This blend of mystery, horror and dark comedy would actually make a very enjoyable film to watch on a rainy day. Trust me that it’s best going in blind so I’ll only promise you that you’ll like it.
Weapons (2025)
Not what you were expecting? This blend of mystery, horror and dark comedy would actually make a very enjoyable film to watch on a rainy day. Trust me that it’s best going in blind so I’ll only promise you that you’ll like it.
November 6, 2025 at 12:52 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - rainy day movie
Weapons (2025)
Not what you were expecting? This blend of mystery, horror and dark comedy would actually make a very enjoyable film to watch on a rainy day. Trust me that it’s best going in blind so I’ll only promise you that you’ll like it.
Weapons (2025)
Not what you were expecting? This blend of mystery, horror and dark comedy would actually make a very enjoyable film to watch on a rainy day. Trust me that it’s best going in blind so I’ll only promise you that you’ll like it.
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - thanksgiving
Pieces of April (2003)
I love this quirky indie about the connection and love that exists in dysfunctional families. I identified with it. It feels like 1990s Sundance.
Pieces of April (2003)
I love this quirky indie about the connection and love that exists in dysfunctional families. I identified with it. It feels like 1990s Sundance.
November 4, 2025 at 12:35 PM
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - thanksgiving
Pieces of April (2003)
I love this quirky indie about the connection and love that exists in dysfunctional families. I identified with it. It feels like 1990s Sundance.
Pieces of April (2003)
I love this quirky indie about the connection and love that exists in dysfunctional families. I identified with it. It feels like 1990s Sundance.
#bales2025moviechallenge - sweater fashion
The Holdovers (2023)
One of the keys to the brilliance of the Holdovers is how perfectly it nails every detail of early 70s New England. That includes music, dialogue, architecture, cars, setting, and the sweater fashion.
The Holdovers (2023)
One of the keys to the brilliance of the Holdovers is how perfectly it nails every detail of early 70s New England. That includes music, dialogue, architecture, cars, setting, and the sweater fashion.
November 3, 2025 at 11:18 AM
#bales2025moviechallenge - sweater fashion
The Holdovers (2023)
One of the keys to the brilliance of the Holdovers is how perfectly it nails every detail of early 70s New England. That includes music, dialogue, architecture, cars, setting, and the sweater fashion.
The Holdovers (2023)
One of the keys to the brilliance of the Holdovers is how perfectly it nails every detail of early 70s New England. That includes music, dialogue, architecture, cars, setting, and the sweater fashion.
#bales2025moviechallenge - comfort rewatch
Spirited Away (2001)
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched, but I never tire of the magical wonder, the unapologetic strong female lead, the deeply emotional score, and Miyazaki’s traditional moral ambiguity. I
Spirited Away (2001)
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched, but I never tire of the magical wonder, the unapologetic strong female lead, the deeply emotional score, and Miyazaki’s traditional moral ambiguity. I
November 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - comfort rewatch
Spirited Away (2001)
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched, but I never tire of the magical wonder, the unapologetic strong female lead, the deeply emotional score, and Miyazaki’s traditional moral ambiguity. I
Spirited Away (2001)
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched, but I never tire of the magical wonder, the unapologetic strong female lead, the deeply emotional score, and Miyazaki’s traditional moral ambiguity. I
#bales2025moviechallenge -starting over
The Spitfire Grill (1996)
This beautiful little 90s indie about redemption and second chances deserves to be talked about more. Love the performances of Burstyn, Elliot and Hayden. Authentic and human.
The Spitfire Grill (1996)
This beautiful little 90s indie about redemption and second chances deserves to be talked about more. Love the performances of Burstyn, Elliot and Hayden. Authentic and human.
November 1, 2025 at 12:50 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge -starting over
The Spitfire Grill (1996)
This beautiful little 90s indie about redemption and second chances deserves to be talked about more. Love the performances of Burstyn, Elliot and Hayden. Authentic and human.
The Spitfire Grill (1996)
This beautiful little 90s indie about redemption and second chances deserves to be talked about more. Love the performances of Burstyn, Elliot and Hayden. Authentic and human.
#bales2025moviechallenge - a film that feels like autumn
Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
"Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary”
Some days I miss Robin Williams. May he RIP.
Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
"Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary”
Some days I miss Robin Williams. May he RIP.
October 31, 2025 at 1:20 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - a film that feels like autumn
Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
"Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary”
Some days I miss Robin Williams. May he RIP.
Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
"Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary”
Some days I miss Robin Williams. May he RIP.
#bales2025moviechallenge - Boris Karloff
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
There are many reasons this classic works so well. But the very best reason to watch it this fall, may be that the grinch’s voice is the coolest of all.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
There are many reasons this classic works so well. But the very best reason to watch it this fall, may be that the grinch’s voice is the coolest of all.
October 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - Boris Karloff
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
There are many reasons this classic works so well. But the very best reason to watch it this fall, may be that the grinch’s voice is the coolest of all.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
There are many reasons this classic works so well. But the very best reason to watch it this fall, may be that the grinch’s voice is the coolest of all.
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - 50s horror
Tarantula (1955)
This has been on my “to watch” list for years since I first heard the Rocky Horror song. I’m going to finally see it this soon.
@ihateclaims
Tarantula (1955)
This has been on my “to watch” list for years since I first heard the Rocky Horror song. I’m going to finally see it this soon.
@ihateclaims
October 28, 2025 at 6:32 PM
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - 50s horror
Tarantula (1955)
This has been on my “to watch” list for years since I first heard the Rocky Horror song. I’m going to finally see it this soon.
@ihateclaims
Tarantula (1955)
This has been on my “to watch” list for years since I first heard the Rocky Horror song. I’m going to finally see it this soon.
@ihateclaims
#bales2025moviechallenge - Japanese horror
Lady Snowblood (1973)
Not horror? I can make the case that it is. Love this movie.
Lady Snowblood (1973)
Not horror? I can make the case that it is. Love this movie.
October 25, 2025 at 1:34 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - Japanese horror
Lady Snowblood (1973)
Not horror? I can make the case that it is. Love this movie.
Lady Snowblood (1973)
Not horror? I can make the case that it is. Love this movie.
#bales2025moviechallenge - fav Redford film
Quiz Show (1994)
I can’t choose a fav as there are 5-6 close to perfect. Choosing quiz show because I once in an actors studio interview he said some films are work and some are love and quiz shown is love. I love it too.
Quiz Show (1994)
I can’t choose a fav as there are 5-6 close to perfect. Choosing quiz show because I once in an actors studio interview he said some films are work and some are love and quiz shown is love. I love it too.
October 24, 2025 at 6:45 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - fav Redford film
Quiz Show (1994)
I can’t choose a fav as there are 5-6 close to perfect. Choosing quiz show because I once in an actors studio interview he said some films are work and some are love and quiz shown is love. I love it too.
Quiz Show (1994)
I can’t choose a fav as there are 5-6 close to perfect. Choosing quiz show because I once in an actors studio interview he said some films are work and some are love and quiz shown is love. I love it too.
#bales2025moviechallenge -Bela Lugosi
Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948)
I love Abbot and Costello, especially Frankenstein. The blend of slapstick (it’s funny) and horror (it is legitimately suspenseful) is done perfectly. Bela is such a good Dracula.
Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948)
I love Abbot and Costello, especially Frankenstein. The blend of slapstick (it’s funny) and horror (it is legitimately suspenseful) is done perfectly. Bela is such a good Dracula.
October 22, 2025 at 12:33 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge -Bela Lugosi
Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948)
I love Abbot and Costello, especially Frankenstein. The blend of slapstick (it’s funny) and horror (it is legitimately suspenseful) is done perfectly. Bela is such a good Dracula.
Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948)
I love Abbot and Costello, especially Frankenstein. The blend of slapstick (it’s funny) and horror (it is legitimately suspenseful) is done perfectly. Bela is such a good Dracula.
#bales2025moviechallenge - Horror film adapted from book or story
Coraline (2009)
I’m a fan of most of everything Laika studio’s produced. But Coraline is the magnum opus. A close to perfect stop motion animation adaptation of the gothic, dark, fantasy horror novella.
Coraline (2009)
I’m a fan of most of everything Laika studio’s produced. But Coraline is the magnum opus. A close to perfect stop motion animation adaptation of the gothic, dark, fantasy horror novella.
October 20, 2025 at 10:05 AM
#bales2025moviechallenge - Horror film adapted from book or story
Coraline (2009)
I’m a fan of most of everything Laika studio’s produced. But Coraline is the magnum opus. A close to perfect stop motion animation adaptation of the gothic, dark, fantasy horror novella.
Coraline (2009)
I’m a fan of most of everything Laika studio’s produced. But Coraline is the magnum opus. A close to perfect stop motion animation adaptation of the gothic, dark, fantasy horror novella.