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 - unforgettable ending
Harold and Maude (1971)
The brilliance of the ending of Harold and Maude is that it is somehow both emotionally devastating and also incredibly uplifting and life affirming. Love the banjo and the Ferris Bueller moment. Maude would approve.
Harold and Maude (1971)
The brilliance of the ending of Harold and Maude is that it is somehow both emotionally devastating and also incredibly uplifting and life affirming. Love the banjo and the Ferris Bueller moment. Maude would approve.
a man in a car looking out the window
ALT: a man in a car looking out the window
media.tenor.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:46 PM
#Bales2025MovieChallenge - unforgettable ending
Harold and Maude (1971)
The brilliance of the ending of Harold and Maude is that it is somehow both emotionally devastating and also incredibly uplifting and life affirming. Love the banjo and the Ferris Bueller moment. Maude would approve.
Harold and Maude (1971)
The brilliance of the ending of Harold and Maude is that it is somehow both emotionally devastating and also incredibly uplifting and life affirming. Love the banjo and the Ferris Bueller moment. Maude would approve.
#Bales2025MovieChallenge - a snow scene
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When the wicked witch of the west (we didn’t yet know her proper name) drugs Dorthy and crew with opium (family movie?) Glinda can’t outright stop her. But she can make it snow to wake them up.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When the wicked witch of the west (we didn’t yet know her proper name) drugs Dorthy and crew with opium (family movie?) Glinda can’t outright stop her. But she can make it snow to wake them up.
a woman is laying in a field of flowers with flowers on her face
ALT: a woman is laying in a field of flowers with flowers on her face
media.tenor.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:52 PM
#Bales2025MovieChallenge - a snow scene
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When the wicked witch of the west (we didn’t yet know her proper name) drugs Dorthy and crew with opium (family movie?) Glinda can’t outright stop her. But she can make it snow to wake them up.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When the wicked witch of the west (we didn’t yet know her proper name) drugs Dorthy and crew with opium (family movie?) Glinda can’t outright stop her. But she can make it snow to wake them up.
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - dance scene
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
The ending scene with David Bowie is so satisfying.
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
The ending scene with David Bowie is so satisfying.
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
a young boy is standing in front of a green door with jojo rabbit written on it
ALT: a young boy is standing in front of a green door with jojo rabbit written on it
media.tenor.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:51 PM
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - dance scene
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
The ending scene with David Bowie is so satisfying.
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
The ending scene with David Bowie is so satisfying.
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - watch at a family gathering
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
One of our family traditions is to kick off the Christmas season by watching Its a Wonderful Life each Thanksgiving.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
One of our family traditions is to kick off the Christmas season by watching Its a Wonderful Life each Thanksgiving.
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
November 23, 2025 at 9:49 AM
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - watch at a family gathering
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
One of our family traditions is to kick off the Christmas season by watching Its a Wonderful Life each Thanksgiving.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
One of our family traditions is to kick off the Christmas season by watching Its a Wonderful Life each Thanksgiving.
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - iconic seasonal soundtrack
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1967)
The warm and jazzy piano style of the iconic Vince Guaraldi soundtrack is absolutely part of the brilliance of this magical Christmas special. Just a few notes puts me in a Christmas mood.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1967)
The warm and jazzy piano style of the iconic Vince Guaraldi soundtrack is absolutely part of the brilliance of this magical Christmas special. Just a few notes puts me in a Christmas mood.
a group of peanuts characters are dancing on a stage with snoopy playing a guitar .
ALT: a group of peanuts characters are dancing on a stage with snoopy playing a guitar .
media.tenor.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:03 PM
#Bales2025FilmChallenge - iconic seasonal soundtrack
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1967)
The warm and jazzy piano style of the iconic Vince Guaraldi soundtrack is absolutely part of the brilliance of this magical Christmas special. Just a few notes puts me in a Christmas mood.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1967)
The warm and jazzy piano style of the iconic Vince Guaraldi soundtrack is absolutely part of the brilliance of this magical Christmas special. Just a few notes puts me in a Christmas mood.
#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 - memorable cooking or kitchen
Ratatouille (2007)
Pixar has so many 10/10 films. This wonderful film about reaching for your dreams despite limitations stands tall even in that elite group. It’s ok to be different. I identified with it
Ratatouille (2007)
Pixar has so many 10/10 films. This wonderful film about reaching for your dreams despite limitations stands tall even in that elite group. It’s ok to be different. I identified with it
a cartoon rat is holding a sandwich and a piece of fruit
ALT: a cartoon rat is holding a sandwich and a piece of fruit
media.tenor.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM
#bales2025moviechallenge - memorable cooking or kitchen
Ratatouille (2007)
Pixar has so many 10/10 films. This wonderful film about reaching for your dreams despite limitations stands tall even in that elite group. It’s ok to be different. I identified with it
Ratatouille (2007)
Pixar has so many 10/10 films. This wonderful film about reaching for your dreams despite limitations stands tall even in that elite group. It’s ok to be different. I identified with it
#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 - unlikely friendship
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Miyazaki always include themes of connection across differences. It’s prominent in Howl. Calcifer starts out as prickly & secretive. But after Sophie shows him empathy things change.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Miyazaki always include themes of connection across differences. It’s prominent in Howl. Calcifer starts out as prickly & secretive. But after Sophie shows him empathy things change.
a cartoon of a boy with blue hair holding something in his hands
ALT: a cartoon of a boy with blue hair holding something in his hands
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:39 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - unlikely friendship
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Miyazaki always include themes of connection across differences. It’s prominent in Howl. Calcifer starts out as prickly & secretive. But after Sophie shows him empathy things change.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Miyazaki always include themes of connection across differences. It’s prominent in Howl. Calcifer starts out as prickly & secretive. But after Sophie shows him empathy things change.
#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.
#bales2025moviechallenge - makes you want to travel
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2003)
There is much I love about this film. The central message of stepping outside of comfort zones resonates emotionally, and the stunning cinematography visually.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2003)
There is much I love about this film. The central message of stepping outside of comfort zones resonates emotionally, and the stunning cinematography visually.
a man playing a flute next to another man carrying a bag
ALT: a man playing a flute next to another man carrying a bag
media.tenor.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - makes you want to travel
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2003)
There is much I love about this film. The central message of stepping outside of comfort zones resonates emotionally, and the stunning cinematography visually.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2003)
There is much I love about this film. The central message of stepping outside of comfort zones resonates emotionally, and the stunning cinematography visually.
#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.