It’s nearing the time of year when I release my nominees and selections for my “Best of 2015” lists. Over the past decade, these lists have become known as the Bobby James Awards. A few years back, I thought it’d be nice to open (or create) a couple categories for you all to participate in. I’m happy to announce…
Movie Comment: The Good Dinosaur
Disney•Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur marks the first time the studio’s released two features in one year (coming on the heels of Inside Out), and is the only Pixar story shared from the perspective of a juvenile character. The result is a breathtaking and heartfelt cinematic experience that embraces simplicity, while offering a fresh story to the…
A Media Comment: “Carol” and gay cinema in 2015
On November 8, 2015, the 24th annual St. Louis International Film Festival presented Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Set in 1950s New York, Carol is a poignant and significant love story between Carol (Blanchett), an older woman – and Therese (Mara), a younger department store clerk. It’s a beautiful film that builds upon a trend that sees gay characters survive, with…
Let’s Trumpet & Roar August 10-12
My birthday is fast approaching (August 12) and in the lead up to it, there are a couple noteworthy dates: AUGUST 10: World Lion Day, would be my Grandma Sarah’s birthday AUGUST 12: World Elephant Day, my birthday! As you may be aware, the previous two years, in lieu of gifts, I’ve requested donations be…
“In Zimbabwe, We Don’t Cry for Lions”
In my village in Zimbabwe, surrounded by wildlife conservation areas, no lion has ever been beloved, or granted an affectionate nickname. They are objects of terror. -Goodwell Nzou “In Zimbabwe, We Don’t Cry for Lions,” by Goodwell Nzou, is an op-ed featured in the New York Times (dated August 5, 2015; page A19 in print). Nzou’s…
Cause an Uproar for Cecil the Lion
UPDATE: As of this writing, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has opened and investigation into Cecil’s death by Walter Palmer – and The White House is reviewing the petition to extradite Palmer to Zimbabwe. Cecil, one of Africa’s most famous lions, was lured from Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Beyond the boundaries of his…
Book Review: Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Go Set a Watchman | by Harper Lee | 278 pgs. | Rating: 5/5 Summary from the dust jacket: “Maycomb, Alabama. Twenty-six-year-old Jean Louise Finch – “Scout” – returns home from New York City to visit her aging father, Atticus. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions and political turmoil that were transforming…
Movie Comment: Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out + Insider Access
The Journey to Insider Access + Insider Access Yesterday was a gloomy, rainy day in St. Louis. Naturally, I found myself online looking up cinema show times. Then, I noticed something I never had before – a listing for “Insider Access to Inside Out,” a partnering between Disney and Fathom Events to debut Inside Out early…
New Art in Neon Layers, Pt. 2
Continuing my bright and bold color trend, I present two new pieces of art! The first, inspired by “California Dreamin’” as performed by Sia for the upcoming blockbuster San Andreas (2015), is an externalization of internal conflict. I wanted there to be a blending of dark and stormy elements mixed with peaceful imagery and bright,…
Book Review: Island of the Sequined Love Nun by Christopher Moore
Island of the Sequined Love Nun | by Christopher Moore | 325 pgs. | rating: 4/5 A fan of Christopher Moore’s work, notably his stellar hit Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal, I noticed his name on a pink paperback book with an intriguing title: Island of the Sequined Love Nun. I appreciate Moore’s style –…
BOBBY JAMES 