Welcome to the Blogging By Cinema-light Annual Report for 2025.
I know for you investors out there, you'll want us to get to the bottom-line first, so here we go.
No.
We did not make a profit this year. As a result, there will be no stock
dividends. This will come as a disappointment to no one...as no one is
an investor.
On
the other hand, we didn't have any losses (despite a considerable down-turn in productivity), so we do not foresee any
lay-offs. As I'm the only employee, this comes as a huge relief (and thank god, I do my own performance reviews...which are along the lines of "meh..."). But, as well, it comes as a
bit of a disappointment, as my hands are getting a little "crampy".
So much for old business...
Now....about the "elephant in the room." (Embarrassed throat clear) Yes, you are correct. There haven't been any "new" posts for awhile.* No, you are wrong, the blog is not shuttering, and new content is coming soon...(well, you're seeing one, so, yeah!)
Why the scarcity of posts? Several reasons:
1. Life gets in the way. Yeah, I'm not going to get into it, but my attention was needed elsewhere.
2. The original purpose of the blog doesn't really apply right now. I started the "writing-about-film" thing because, after seeing a film, my mind would be pre-occupied with its details, dialogue, and mise en scene to the point of distraction, trying to unlock its "secrets." My mind would get cluttered with such details, and writing about them was the one way I had of "downloading" my thoughts. That made my mind open for...you know...life, and things like that (that is, if the time spent writing didn't deprive me of living it).
Well, these days, I'm seeing fewer films, and I'm certainly not cluttering my mind with their details. So, the original necessity to "download" isn't as imperative.
3. Most movies I've been seeing lately have been, shall we say..."underwhelming." Despite the quote from Ratatouille at the bottom of the page, I do not like writing bad reviews. And, unless it's really funny, they're not much fun to read, either. On the other hand, if it's funny, then there will certainly be an element of cruelty to it (at least from this writer) and that's just not "fair." Movies are a collaborative art, and if you're gonna slag a movie, the shrapnel is bound to hit someone. There's enough of that going on in the world these days, and I don't like contributing to it. Oh...there are days...there are really days when I'd like to sink my teeth into the jugular of some hack-job sham of a movie and, through agitated neck-whips, rip it to pieces. But, I'm getting "up there" in age, and just writing that sentence put a "crick" in my neck.
Anyway, I have quite the list of underwhelming films, with no overwhelming need to praise or bury them.
So, I haven't been sweating over a keyboard lately, writing new content. Despite that, Blogging By Cinema-light still garners views--more than ever, it would seem. 1.31 million this year alone, in fact. Here, as we do every year is a screenshot of the most popular posts (or most viewed) from 2025:
Honorable Mentions:
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps 221 views
The Greatest Show on Earth 121 views
A lot of shuffling here, from last year, but not a one of the posts from 2025 made it into the Top 10. Dominating were the "Outside Agitators" scene from The Graduate (presumably from people googling "outside agitators," a term that reared its ugly head again last year) and the "Furnace of Hell" scene from Toy Story 3 (it was the most popular post last year, as well...I chalk it up to "malaise"), but new additions include perennial favorite Hostiles (...don't ask me), two of those mammoth National Film Registry posts (more on that later **), The Way, Way Back (again, don't ask me...), Margin Call, the Kevin Costner "Scene" from Molly's Game, and a review of mine I didn't think was too shabby...for Casablanca. I like that.
And here are the most popular posts from since BxC-L was first launched:
Black Panther 1.72k
Ernie Pyle's Story of G.I. Joe 1.7k
The Batman stills reigns supreme (because he's Batman!), and the post about The Post is still at No.2. But, two "Don't Make a Scene" posts (The Graduate and Toy Story 3), knocked Black Panther and Ernie Pyle's Story of G.I. Joe out of the Top Ten, and one of the "Scene's" from American Graffiti knocked out Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
We celebrated two milestones last year (by "celebrated" I mean that I took note of it)—we reached the 2 million mark...and then the 3 million mark...in total views. That just makes me shake my head in wonder and bewilderment.
It took more than a decade for this blog to get its first million views. I got to the second million in a year and a half. The third, which just ticked over in the odometer last week, took 9 months. And (here's the interesting part) for half that time, there was no new content. At all. And the views kicked up just as fast. That's just weird to me, but the internet has always been weird, especially in these AI Overlord day.
Speaking of which...I have already done one post on the deficiencies of the so-called "revolution" of artificial intelligence, and vowed to never use it again...ever. If I had, of course, there might have been more content this year...it just wouldn't have been mine.
But, you can't avoid this hallucinating crap anymore. Google, for instance, has an "AI mode" that encapsulates a summary on search subjects. Use it with caution.
For instance, I used it to see what information it provided about this blog. A lot, to my surprise. And a lot of it wrong, not to my surprise. Bear with me. If this post was dry before, it's going to get REALLY dry, and may be of interest to no one but me. But, it bothers me how messed-up this regurgitated garbage can be.
To wit:
"Blogging By Cinemalight" is a
movie review blog.
The blog features film reviews and analysis, including a recurring
series called "Don't Make a Scene," and is run by a writer named James Wilson. Content and Focus
The
blog primarily focuses on film reviews and commentary, often discussing
various cinematic techniques, directors, and the cultural impact of
movies. It covers a wide range of films, from classic cinema like Casablanca and All About Eve to recent releases such as Past Lives and The Bikeriders.
A
notable feature is the "Don't Make a Scene" series, which sometimes
involves multi-part entries that deconstruct specific aspects of a film
or character. The blog's style is described as insightful, with a focus
on genuine human interaction and storytelling rather than overt
grandstanding or excessive technical jargon.
Recognition
James
Wilson, the writer behind the blog, has also contributed to other
film-related platforms, such as the "MovieRob Minute" podcast/series,
where he appeared as a guest. His work has been cited and linked to by
other movie review blogs.
Where to Read
You can access the blog posts directly at its primary address:
- Blogging By Cinema-light on Blogger
It also maintains a social media presence:
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
Okay, that was the overview, and it wasn't bad (considering "AI can make mistakes"). It even got in a mention of my pal MovieRob, whose "Genre Grandeur" I try to contribute to. Cross-promotion is always nice.
But, Google gives you the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject with AI-generated questions, like "What is Blogging By Cinema-light about?"
"Blogging By Cinemalight" is
a movie review blog run by a writer named James Wilson. The blog, which can be found at bloggingbycinemalight.blogspot.com, features reviews, "Don't Make a Scene" entries, and other film-related commentary. Key information about the blog:
- Content: The blog covers a wide range of films, from classic cinema to recent releases, and includes series such as "Don't Make a Scene" and "Anytime Movies Wrap-Up".
- Author: The primary writer is James Wilson.
- Platforms: In addition to the Blogger site, the blog has a presence on Facebook.
- Collaborations: The author occasionally collaborates with other film reviewers, such as with the "MovieRob" blog.
The blog is an ongoing project, with new posts appearing as recently as late 2025 in the search results provided.
What topics or film genres does James Wilson focus on in Blogging By Cinemalight?
James Wilson's reviews on "Blogging By Cinemalight" cover a
vast and eclectic range of film genres and topics,
demonstrating an appreciation for all types of cinema, rather than a
specific focus on one. His reviews frequently analyze how a single film
can cross or subvert typical genre expectations. The breadth of his coverage includes:
- Classic and Vintage Films: He reviews a significant number of older films, spanning from early cinema (e.g., Hell's Angels from 1930) to classic Hollywood.
- Horror and Thriller: The blog features a notable number of reviews for films within these genres, including classics like Psycho, Rosemary's Baby, and Sisters.
- Science Fiction and Fantasy: Films such as Source Code and Everything Everywhere All at Once are reviewed, often with an emphasis on how they explore themes of humanity and inspiration.
- Drama and Historical Narratives: Wilson covers a variety of dramatic films, including historical dramas and those focusing on social issues like inner-city poverty or police brutality.
- Action and Espionage: He discusses action-packed films, including spy stories and police procedurals.
- Animation: Animated features, including Pixar films like Up and Elemental, also receive attention.
- Comedies and Musicals: He covers various forms of comedy and even delves into musical adaptations.
Does he analyze film theory or just focus on plot and acting?
James
Wilson's reviews in "Blogging By Cinemalight" go well beyond simple
plot summaries and acting notes; they engage in deeper levels of
analysis, including
themes, cultural context, and some aspects of filmmaking craft, which fall under the umbrella of academic film criticism and theory. His analytical approach includes:
- Themes and Worldview: Wilson often steps back from the immediate details of a film to examine its "messages," worldview, and how it fits into larger cultural debates. He explores the "human condition" in films and how they present themes of love, family, and social issues.
- Filmmaking Techniques: While prioritizing themes, he does incorporate discussion of how a film's composition, editing, music, and lighting contribute to the overall rhythm, mood, and narrative progression. This attention to aesthetic choices is a key aspect of film theory and criticism.
- Character and Acting Analysis: He provides in-depth analysis of characters and acting performances, but these discussions are usually tied to the overall meaning and themes of the story, rather than just technical performance.
- Genre and Narrative Structure: His reviews often discuss how films relate to or subvert their genres, touching on narrative conventions and how filmmakers manipulate structure to evoke specific responses from the audience.
In
essence, he uses elements of film theory and advanced analysis to
enrich the discussion of a film's impact and meaning, making his reviews
more than just a "book report" on a visual medium.
It's funny it added that last line. Frequently, when writing these things I've felt like I was writing a book report...and they're not fun to write or to read. Ask any teacher.
What's the author's background?
The author of "Blogging By Cinemalight,"
James Wilson, appears to be a passionate and experienced writer with a background in English Literature and professional experience in content writing and digital media.While
his professional background is not explicitly in film production or
academic film studies, his background in literature and professional
writing contributes to his in-depth, analytical approach to film
criticism.
Key elements of his background relevant to his blogging are:
- Education: He holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature.
- Professional Experience: He is a seasoned content writer with a decade of experience, focusing on creative and technical copy across various B2B and B2C industries.
- Personal Interest: He is an avid consumer of digital media and enjoys watching films in his free time.
His
background suggests a strong foundation in analyzing stories and
communication, which he applies to the medium of film in a rigorous and
insightful way on his blog at bloggingbycinemalight.blogspot.com.
I don't have a BA in English Literature.
I have no idea what that "Professional Experience" summary means...much less having a "decade of experience" doing it.
What films does James Wilson consider essential viewing?
James Wilson does not have a single, formal list of "essential viewing" on his blog, but he has shared a personal list of his
top 30 favorite movies of all time in a Facebook group, which can be considered an indication of films he deems highly valuable or essential viewing. This list includes a variety of films from different genres and eras, such as Citizen Kane, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Psycho, The Godfather, Blade Runner, and Jaws. It also includes comedies like The Producers and animated films such as The Incredibles. The full list can be found in the referenced document. Wilson also considers films like Ordinary People essential, noting its strong cast and meaningful themes.
What films or genres does James Wilson of Blogging By Cinemalight seem to favor?
James Wilson of "Blogging By Cinemalight" demonstrates a broad and eclectic taste in film, with a particular appreciation for
classic cinema (especially film noir)
and movies that defy easy genre classification, often blending comedy
with drama or suspense. He seems less focused on specific genres than on
detailed analysis of narrative structure, character development, and
thematic depth. Apparent Film Preferences
- Classic Films and Film Noir: Wilson frequently reviews older films and has participated in "Genre Grandeur" events focusing on classics like Casablanca. He notes that many movies in the film noir genre fall into his favored "Incredible Mess" category of storytelling. The blog archives show reviews for numerous black-and-white films and older releases, such as The Big Sleep, Frankenstein, and Julius Caesar.
- Genre-Blending Narratives: He appreciates films that blend genres or defy conventional categorization, such as the comedy-horror Ready or Not or the complex description of Risky Business as "teen comedy? sex comedy? coming of age? social satire?". He analyzes how films use and subvert genre tropes, even in modern Pixar rom-coms like Elemental.
- Character-Driven Stories: His reviews often focus on character motivations, emotional impact, and personal journeys. He notes films that are "messy, awkward, wounded, sweetheart" movies like The Holdovers and those that provide "life-lessons in miniature".
- Thematic and Social Commentary: Wilson shows an interest in films that engage social concerns or offer deeper thematic resonance. He describes Hairspray as a "moving plea for racial integration" and Past Lives as a "quietly subversive take on Western romantic sensibilities".
- Diverse Range: The extensive blog archives show reviews of everything from Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Schindler's List, Star Wars, and Parasite, indicating a very wide-ranging interest that covers drama, comedy, sci-fi, horror, and international cinema.
Overall,
James Wilson favors films that are well-written, thematically rich, and
offer a strong analytical hook, regardless of their specific studio,
age, or primary genre classification.
Reading about yourself from something that knows only what it knows from the internet is a mixture of "Oh, that's nice" to "WTF?" I don't remember doing a 30 favorite films thing on Facebook, but I might have when I first joined. I don't like lists. I find them more interesting for what they leave out, than what they leave in. Mark this one as "sketchy."
What’s James Wilson’s favorite film or genre?
James Wilson of the blog "Blogging By Cinemalight" has stated that his all-time favorite movie is
Harold and Maude
(1971). He has expressed his deep affection for everything about the
film, from its Cat Stevens soundtrack to its "enlightening messages". While
he has not specified a single favorite genre, his blog posts and
articles indicate an appreciation for a wide range of genres, including:
- Classic Cinema: He often features classic films and even puts up framed posters in his office for movies like Vertigo and Touch of Evil.
- Dramas: He has written positively about intimate family dramas and films that handle serious, emotional themes, such as Ordinary People.
- Crime/Comedy: A list from another source that seems to match his taste listed Raiders of the Lost Ark, Halloween, and Dredd as top favorites, suggesting an appreciation for action/adventure and horror genres as well
- Overall, his reviews suggest a broad and eclectic taste, focusing on films with strong narrative depth, character development, and emotional impact across various genres.
So, that leads to the next question:
Why is Harold and Maude his favorite?
(I interrupt sarcastically: Oh, yes. Please, DO tell...)
James Wilson's primary reason for
Harold and Maude being his favorite film is its powerful and enlightening message about embracing life to the fullest. Specific elements he highlights include:
- The Message: He noted that the central message—that one should enjoy life and be oneself—"really resonates" with him. The film contrasts Harold's obsession with death and isolation with Maude's vibrant, free-spirited approach to life, offering a profound take on living authentically and finding joy in the moment.
- The Soundtrack: Wilson is a big fan of the music, stating that the songs by legendary artist Cat Stevens are "beautiful" and that the film made Stevens one of his favorite artists.
- The Characters: He appreciates the performances, specifically mentioning Ruth Gordon's portrayal of the "charming, sassy and rebellious Maude".
The source for this mishegas is listed here. If you clicked on it, you'll notice that I'm nowhere near it...not even in the comments.
So, in summary, I leave on a cautionary note.
Readers, beware the beast "Artificial Intelligence." If you've had a negative view of the human race before, the good news is now there's something worse. And its cavalier respect for truth, makes its only true use to be...in government. Just think: it's being used right now to write bills, white papers, and even important documents that lay out philosophies and strategies that will have real-world consequences on real-life people.
With a little luck, some judicious skepticism, informed voting, and a critical eye, we'll do another one of these next year.
Hope it's good for you.
* Specifically, September 11th—which was a re-post from my earlier movie-blog. The last "newly-new" content was August 27th!
** There will certainly be a 2025 edition of the yearly rundown of the new inductees of The National Film Registry. But, not for awhile...this time, through no fault of my own.
For some reason, instead of the new additions being announced in mid-December, and I say this tentatively, they will be released mid-January 2026. Why it has been delayed would be mere speculation on my part. Maybe it was due to the month-long government shut-down...the month delay certainly lines up with it.
But, there might be another reason. The current resident of The White House likes to put his grubby little fingers into everything these days, legal, Constitutional, or not. The Film Registry is certainly not of national importance, but when did that ever distract the current Prez from actually doing his job (actually, come to think of it, that might be a good idea). One can only imagine what a Trump-list of films would be that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important", but one can be sure it wouldn't lean so heavily on "DEI" content. Instead, you could expect Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Ghosts Can't Do it, Zoolander, Celebrity, Two Weeks Notice, and Marmalade to be on the list as well as a smattering of McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza and Macy's ads. Trump is so far up his own ass that only something involving him could be considered "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." After all, the other day, he said he was "an aesthetic person."