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 - 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.
#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 - fav Giallo film
Black Christmas (1974)
To my knowledge I’ve never seen a Giallo film. But I finally saw this classic, said to be inspired by Giallo, and it did not disappoint.
Black Christmas (1974)
To my knowledge I’ve never seen a Giallo film. But I finally saw this classic, said to be inspired by Giallo, and it did not disappoint.
a woman with a ring on her finger is talking on a telephone
ALT: a woman with a ring on her finger is talking on a telephone
media.tenor.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:21 AM
#bales2025moviechallenge - fav Giallo film
Black Christmas (1974)
To my knowledge I’ve never seen a Giallo film. But I finally saw this classic, said to be inspired by Giallo, and it did not disappoint.
Black Christmas (1974)
To my knowledge I’ve never seen a Giallo film. But I finally saw this classic, said to be inspired by Giallo, and it did not disappoint.
#bales2025moviechallenge - 70s horror
Omega Man (1971)
I only saw this film a couple months ago. It was always on my list to see but never really high. Turns out that it instantly became one of the best movies of the genre I’ve ever seen. And I love the genre.
Omega Man (1971)
I only saw this film a couple months ago. It was always on my list to see but never really high. Turns out that it instantly became one of the best movies of the genre I’ve ever seen. And I love the genre.
a black and white photo of a man with a scarf around his shoulders
ALT: a black and white photo of a man with a scarf around his shoulders
media.tenor.com
October 26, 2025 at 1:01 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - 70s horror
Omega Man (1971)
I only saw this film a couple months ago. It was always on my list to see but never really high. Turns out that it instantly became one of the best movies of the genre I’ve ever seen. And I love the genre.
Omega Man (1971)
I only saw this film a couple months ago. It was always on my list to see but never really high. Turns out that it instantly became one of the best movies of the genre I’ve ever seen. And I love the genre.
#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 - best horror film
I lost my body (2019)
I’ve already chosen my top 3 this month so instead here is a film I wish more people would see. Not traditional horror but it has a severed hand crawling through the city. So it’s in the big tent.
I lost my body (2019)
I’ve already chosen my top 3 this month so instead here is a film I wish more people would see. Not traditional horror but it has a severed hand crawling through the city. So it’s in the big tent.
a man with a cast on his arm is sleeping in a bed with netflix written on the bottom
ALT: a man with a cast on his arm is sleeping in a bed with netflix written on the bottom
media.tenor.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:16 AM
#bales2025moviechallenge - best horror film
I lost my body (2019)
I’ve already chosen my top 3 this month so instead here is a film I wish more people would see. Not traditional horror but it has a severed hand crawling through the city. So it’s in the big tent.
I lost my body (2019)
I’ve already chosen my top 3 this month so instead here is a film I wish more people would see. Not traditional horror but it has a severed hand crawling through the city. So it’s in the big tent.
#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 - best horror remake
The Thing (1981)
Like the Fly, the movie I almost chose, the 80s remake of the Thing is a very different movie than Hawk’s original. The Carpenter treatment works though. In addition to being a true study in paranoia, it’s tons of fun.
The Thing (1981)
Like the Fly, the movie I almost chose, the 80s remake of the Thing is a very different movie than Hawk’s original. The Carpenter treatment works though. In addition to being a true study in paranoia, it’s tons of fun.
a man wearing sunglasses and headphones is talking on a cell phone while another man looks on
ALT: a man wearing sunglasses and headphones is talking on a cell phone while another man looks on
media.tenor.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:35 AM
#bales2025moviechallenge - best horror remake
The Thing (1981)
Like the Fly, the movie I almost chose, the 80s remake of the Thing is a very different movie than Hawk’s original. The Carpenter treatment works though. In addition to being a true study in paranoia, it’s tons of fun.
The Thing (1981)
Like the Fly, the movie I almost chose, the 80s remake of the Thing is a very different movie than Hawk’s original. The Carpenter treatment works though. In addition to being a true study in paranoia, it’s tons of fun.
#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.
#bales2025moviechallenge - favorite Alien film
Alien (1979)
Aesthetic appreciation is personal and subjective. With that said, the only correct answers are Alien or Aliens. And I’m going with Alien with is transformational and remains powerful 45 years later.
Alien (1979)
Aesthetic appreciation is personal and subjective. With that said, the only correct answers are Alien or Aliens. And I’m going with Alien with is transformational and remains powerful 45 years later.
October 19, 2025 at 12:16 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - favorite Alien film
Alien (1979)
Aesthetic appreciation is personal and subjective. With that said, the only correct answers are Alien or Aliens. And I’m going with Alien with is transformational and remains powerful 45 years later.
Alien (1979)
Aesthetic appreciation is personal and subjective. With that said, the only correct answers are Alien or Aliens. And I’m going with Alien with is transformational and remains powerful 45 years later.
#bales2025moviechallenge - final destination movie
Train to Busan (2016)
I vaguely remember that there are films called final destination, but I have never seen a single one or even know what they are about. So instead I’ll share my favorite horror that includes a race to a final destination.
Train to Busan (2016)
I vaguely remember that there are films called final destination, but I have never seen a single one or even know what they are about. So instead I’ll share my favorite horror that includes a race to a final destination.
October 18, 2025 at 12:36 PM
#bales2025moviechallenge - final destination movie
Train to Busan (2016)
I vaguely remember that there are films called final destination, but I have never seen a single one or even know what they are about. So instead I’ll share my favorite horror that includes a race to a final destination.
Train to Busan (2016)
I vaguely remember that there are films called final destination, but I have never seen a single one or even know what they are about. So instead I’ll share my favorite horror that includes a race to a final destination.