#Bales2026MovieChallenge -sci-fi #JulyMovieChallenge -rebellious teen Star Wars (1976) Small film you’ve probably never heard of. Check it out. 19 year old Luke is rebellious, albeit in a grounded way. Restless and idealistic, but not as defiant as was his father. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -art #JulyMovieChallenge -space exploration Solaris (1972) Tarkovsky uses music and paintings to explore memory and identity. The space station has a classic painting as a nostalgic reminder of earth and humanity. 10/10 ⭐️ @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -France #JulyMovieChallenge -gives birth Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) This is not a feel good film despite moments of joy. It’s deep, heartbreaking, sad and visually perfect, at the same time. Both Geneviève and Madeline give birth. 10/10 ⭐️ @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026moviechallenge -music theme #JulyMovieChallenge -Harrison Ford American Graffiti (1973) The classic rock-n-roll soundtrack is central to the story and sets the mood and era. Ford in an early collaboration with the man who made him a household name, Lucas. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -world travel Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1954) My second favorite starring role for Marilyn Monroe and a top 10 Hawks. Two showgirls take a cruise ship to Paris.

#JulyMovieChallenge -a riot Belfast (2021) I wish more people saw this wonderful film. Opens with a riot from 9yr old Buddy’s perspective. So emphasis on chaos and confusion over action. Gorgeous black and white cinematography. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallengr - human migration Flee (2021) The long hard journey of an Afghan refugee from Kabul to Copenhagen told masterfully. I highly recommend this film.

#JulyMovieChallenge -duel Footloose (1984) Chuck challenges Ren to a game of tractor chicken. The ending is a foregone conclusion but we get to listen to Bonnie Tyler’s (who died this week) awesome 🎶Holding out for a Hero🎶. May she RIP. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge - historical drama #JulyMovieChallenge - a trial  Judgement at Nuremberg (1961) How does an educated society become complicit in evil? One of the best courtroom, historical and overall films ever. And that cast! Does a better cast exist? @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge - 🏀 #JulyMovieChallenge -steals something Basketball Diaries (1995) After Jim, Mickey and Pedro become homeless addicts they break into a candy store and steal cash and a gun. Emotionally intense and powerful film. Killer soundtrack. 🎶❤️ @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026moviechallenge -adventure #JulyMovieChallenge -a writer The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) Todd is a writer of sorts (online dating profiles). But Sean tells the stories of his many exotic adventures with photographs. This movie makes me happy. @omacolt.bsky.social

#JulyMovieChallenge -woman in the military Private Benjamin (1980) Hawn and Brennan are both good in this fun comedy. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge-light, fun and good Little Forest (2018) I loved this Korean film about a woman who leaves Seoul to go back to her hometown and reconnect with her roots through cooking her mother’s recipes.

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -Mexican culture Coco (2017) Pixar consistently hits home runs. Even in that accomplished universe Coco hits it out of the park. Visually, the music, the examination of family, memory and loss. Most of all it’s a love letter to Mexican culture and I’m here for it.

#JulyMovieChallenge -Stallone Death Race 2000 (1976) In the far dystopian future of 26 years ago the USA is a dictatorship that sponsors a car race where participants get points for killing pedestrians. Sounds dark, but it’s almost pure camp. Fun to see early Sly. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -Latin America story #JulyMovieChallenge -someone wears a bikini Roma (2018) The climax beach scene when Cleo, who cannot swim, wades into the ocean to save Sofia’s children, is the film’s emotional anchor. Did I mention I love this movie? @omacolt.bsky.social

My world traveler son just entered Canada for his first time today and sent me this text.

Sky was showing off on my run this morning.

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -something I ❤️ about 🇺🇸 #JulyMovieChallenge -🗽 The Brutalist (2024) I love my country that was built by immigrants. This brilliant, powerful film is a bittersweet example of the immigrant story. Iconic low angle upside down Statue of Liberty shot. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -blockbuster #JulyMovieChallenge -Idaho Napoleon Dynamite (2004) This is a small independent Idaho film, not a blockbuster. But it cost $400k to make and made $46 mm. 115x its cost. History’s most profitable independent. So honorary blockbuster. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -pioneering woman #JulyMovieChallenge -aviation Solo (1984) Am I the only person who remembers this film? It is quite inspiring. @omacolt

#JulyMovieChallenge -headphones Sixteen Candles (1984) So much about this John Hughes classic aged poorly (cringe elements). But it has a lot going for it, including a killer soundtrack. Cusak in an early role as headphones wearing Bryce. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -something I love about Canada The Life of Pi (2001) The narrator meets Francis in Canada who tells him Pi’s story. It doesn’t take place in Canada, but he ends up there as an immigrant. One thing I ❤️ about Canada is kindness to immigrants.

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -wanting one more summer night The outsiders (1983) We just want to grow up, but our childhoods never seem to end. Until it does. And then we mourn the loss. “So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can” Thanks for a super fun month @ironicteachings.bsky.social

#JulyMovieChallenge -ballet Billy Elliot (2000) Whether it’s the setting, the dismantling of stereotypes, the music, the dancing, the lead performance or the inspiring underdog story, this is one I like. Thanks for a fun month @omacolt.bsky.social

#JulyMovieChallenge -smart phone clueless (1995) The cellphones weren’t very smart yet in the 90s. But that didn’t stop Cher and Dionne from using them to communicate with each other even when they were in the same room. @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -a secret you’d only tell once Mulan (1998) If you’re a warrior in the imperial army fighting the Huns, and you are not who you say you are, you keep it secret. The Donny Osmond song is good. @ironicteachings

3 months later and the work of planting the garden is (almost) done. Now maintaining and enjoying. 🥕 🥦 🥗

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -world feels bigger #JuneMovieChallenge -a riot Shawshank Redemption (1994) The prisoners riot after the film reel breaks at a movie screening. Andy’s world definitely feels bigger after the famous plot twist. @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -Road Trip #JuneMovieChallenge -Road Trip Y Tu Mamá Tambièn (2001) The GOAT of road trip movies. Cuarón made this come alive. An honest exploration of class, coming of age and friendship. Did I mention I love this film? @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -strange ending #JuneMovieChallenge -something scanned Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Frank’s sonic transducer is never fully explained. In the strange end, Riff and Magenta use the transit beam to return to Transylvania @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

Beautiful photo of 4 college graduates with three Masters degrees, one doctorate degree, two law degrees and 3 Ivy League educations, all standing together, side by side with their husbands, in one setting.

Happy Wednesday friends. The #Bales2026MovieChallenge group, is graciously allowing me to guest host in July. Play along🙏 @mikeymcfilms.bsky.social @januarymovie.bsky.social @stonemonkts.bsky.social @michaelcinemagroup.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social @milanpaurich.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -ice cream after midnight #JuneMovieChallenge -underdog Are you there god? It’s me Margaret (2023) Laura is ostracized for being a late bloomer. Coming of age films remind me of sleepovers & raiding the fridge at midnight @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -Asian American #JuneMovieChallenge -unexpected friendship Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) Evelyn and her enemy Deirdre, evolve their relationship in surprising ways including becoming close friends in one reality @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026FilmChallenge -festival #JuneMovieChallenge -spouse killing Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) Quasimodo attends the festival of fools. When Esmerelda rejects Frollo’s proposal he tries to burn her at the stake (yes it’s a Disney movie) @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026FilmChallenge -takes place at night #JuneMovieChallenge -has military, but not war Escape from New York (1981) Plissken is ex-Special Forces, sent on a one-night mission into a prison Manhattan. Super cult classic. @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -music changes everything #JuneMovieChallenge -something is signed Little Mermaid (1989) Ariel signs away her musically powerful voice for legs. But in the end the music from that voice makes all the difference. @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -the beach #JuneMovieChallenge -man vs nature Castaway (2000) Tom Hanks’s incredible ability to physically transform isn’t mentioned enough. Castaway & Philadelphia are the best examples. Also A league of their own. @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -colorful costumes or fashion #JuneMovieChallenge -movie theater Singin’ in the Rain (1952) They really dressed to the nines for movie premieres in old Hollywood. And there are more than one in Singin’ in the Rain. @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallengr -chasing the impossible #JuneMovieChallenge -concert movie New York Doll (2005) A Sundance grand jury prize nominee, but it is criminally under seen. Powerful exploration of faith, redemption and second chances. 10/10⭐️ @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -adventure starts accidentally #JuneMovieChallenge -being chased After Hours (1985) When his last $20 blows out of the cab a surreal adventure night begins, including be chased by men with shears. @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallengr -reality is a little off #JuneMovieChallenge -roller coaster Parenthood (1989) Is grandma just a little with her roller coaster story, or is she just incredibly wise?  I vote for the latter.  youtu.be/3yzF2MdnVHU @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -sun drunk #JuneMovieChallenge -scandal Snoopy Come Home (1972) Sun drunk after a day at the beach Patty & Snoopy plan to stay there all summer. Alas, scandal ensues as fascist city planners put a new exclusionary sign up. @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

Everything is terrible, so here's a duck wearing the Mexico soccer jersey

Unexpectedly, 4 of the best minutes ever written for television come from Dr Who, a time travel sci-fi series. Great use of music, a powerful act of kindness, rare truth about depression, a satisfying emotional payoff, & of course the great Bill Nighy. youtu.be/ubTJI_UphPk

When I was a child Men at Work were a pretty big thing amongst my friends, & their biggest hit was Down Under. And yes, it is a fun song. But their best, most sophisticated, & emotionally impactful song (that third act!) is clearly Overkill. youtu.be/RY7S6EgSlCI

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -feels like a summer breeze #JuneMovieChallenge -flag The sound of music (1965) Much of Austria feels like a summer breeze in this classic film. Anti fascist Baron von Trapp rips the *%€£ out of that flag. As he should. @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social

#Bales2026MovieChallenge -animal sidekick #JuneMovieChallenge -someone arrested Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1984) Eddie is arrested after being falsely accused of murder. Spoiler . . . Evil Judge Doom is the true culprit. Roger is his sidekick.  @ironicteachings.bsky.social @omacolt.bsky.social