Filmmaker Commentary

Wax on, wax off. This week, we’re stepping onto the mat to break down John G. Avildsen’s 1984 underdog masterpiece, The Karate Kid.We dive deep into the filmmaking mechanics that made this coming-of-age classic a cultural phenomenon. From Avildsen’s brilliant pacing of the iconic training montages to Robert Mark Kamen’s structurally perfect script, we explore how a simple martial arts teen drama became the ultimate cinematic blueprint for triumph.In this episode, we cover:The Training Montages: How editing and Bill Conti's score work together to build inevitable momentum.Framing the Fight: The cinematography and blocking tricks used to make the All-Valley Tournament feel massive and high-stakes.The Emotional Core: How Pat Morita’s nuanced performance and the pacing of the Miyagi/Daniel relationship ground the film.Directorial Restraint: Avildsen's choices that kept a highly commercial concept from dipping into pure camp.Grab your chopsticks, catch a fly, and tune in for a masterclass in heart, narrati

Our 8th episode of What We've Been Watching is an offshoot of filmmaker commentary. Here we cover media we've been watching!Drop in the comments what you've been watching.www.filmmakercommentary.com

The 2000s classic Love and Basketball is a true work of passion. Monica and Quincy love and play basketball together through many life challenges from childhood to adulthood. This is a must-see for first-time filmmakers. Filmmaker Commentary is hosted by Reginald Titus Jr.Co-Hosted by Casey G. Smith

Our 7th episode of What We've Been Watching is an offshoot of filmmaker commentary. Here we cover media we've been watching!Drop in the comments what you've been watching.www.filmmakercommentary.com

Our 6th episode of What We've Been Watching is an offshoot of filmmaker commentary. Here we cover media we've been watching!Drop in the comments what you've been watching.www.filmmakercommentary.com

A Soldier's Story (1984) was directed and produced by Norman Jewison. The acclaimed drama, which tells the story of a Black JAG officer investigating a murder in a segregated U.S. Army regiment during WWII, was adapted by Charles Fuller from his own Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "A Soldier's Play".This is worth checking out. Acting at its best.Filmmaker Commentary is Hosted by Reginald Titus Jr.Co-Hosted by Casey G. Smith

Our 5th episode of What We've Been Watching is an offshoot of filmmaker commentary. Here we cover media we've been watching!Drop in the comments what you been watching.www.filmmakercommentary.com

1987's Hollywood Shuffle is a ground-breaking film that exposed the realities of being an actor of color at that time. It does this in a comical, satirical manner that is digestible. Well done. This movie created a legend.Filmmaker Commentary is Hosted by Reginald Titus Jr.Co-Hosted by Casey G. Smithwww.filmmakercommentary.com

Our 4th episode of What We've Been Watching is an offshoot of filmmaker commentary. Here we cover media we've been watching!Drop in the comments what you been watching.

This is a classic film that introduced feel good hip-hop before gangster rap invaded the scene. It almost feels unreal to see rappers enjoy themselves.

Our third episode of What We've Been Watching is an offshoot of filmmaker commentary. Here we cover media we've been watching!

Did Yorgos Lanthimos just make the wildest sci-fi comedy of the decade?In Episode 239 of Filmmaker Commentary, Reginald and Casey dive deep into Bugonia, the unhinged new film starring Emma Stone as a ruthless pharmaceutical CEO and Jesse Plemons as the conspiracy-obsessed beekeeper who kidnaps her.We break down Lanthimos' transition into sci-fi, Plemons' terrifyingly sympathetic performance, and that absolutely jaw-dropping ending. Is Michelle really an Andromedan alien intent on destroying humanity, or is Teddy simply a victim of rural American paranoia? We unpack the cinematography, the directing choices, and what this film actually says about the human condition.Support the Empire: at: www.filmmakercommentary.com

The Smashing Machine didn't tap out the box office but it will tap your feelings. This is a film with a heart and a soul. Worth checking out.Filmmaker Commentary is Hosted by Reginald Titus Jr.Co-Hosted Casey G. Smith

Our second episode of What We've Been Watching is an offshoot of filmmaker commentary. Here we cover media weve been watching!

This movie has already broken the record for the most Oscar nominations; this is not by accident! This is my 3rd time watching this movie, and it gets better every time. Worth a watch, it's a movie that has some extra sauce on it.Filmmaker Commentary is Hosted by Reginald Titus JrCo-hosted by Casey G. Smith

Our popular segment from Filmmaker Commentary called "What we've been watching" began to grow in length and kind of started to become its own show. So we have given that segment its own show. Even though we will still have a shorter version of that segment on Filmmaker Commentary. This version allows us to give it the room it deserves. Let us know what you think!

This is one of those films where you can just break out the popcorn and watch! You know what you come here for. Alien Romulus is a film in which the director knows what to do! Filmmaker Commentary is Hosted by Reginald Titus Jr.Co-Hosted by Casey G. SmithThis is a re-upload, just in case you were wondering. The music by Ben Wallfisch was flagged from the last episode. The original episode was published 2-2-26#alien #filmmakercommentary

Here is a review of a film I actually wanted to see in theaters. Tron Ares boy oh boy.

1993's "What's Love Got to Do with It" launched Angela Bassett into the Hollywood atmosphere. The Biopic is well done and worth a watch. Great performances and direction!Filmmaker Commentary is Hosted by Reginald Titus Jr.Co-Hosted by Casey G. Smith

Shout out to Chad Boseman, who committed to performing as the legendary and iconic figure James Brown!Filmmaker Commentary is Hosted by Reginald Titus Jr.Co-Hosted by Casey G. Smith