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, narrative structure, and the perfect crane kick.Listen now and follow the show for weekly deep-dives into cinema's greatest hits.Filmmaker Commentary Hosted by Reginald Titus Jr.Co-Hosted by Casey G. Smithwww.filmmakercommentary.com
Jun 20
1 hr 55 min
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
Jun 12
44 min
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
Jun 9
2 hr 17 min
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
May 29
1 hr 1 min
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
May 19
59 min
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
May 15
2 hr 10 min
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
Apr 28
46 min
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
Apr 23
1 hr 59 min
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.
Apr 17
1 hr 13 min
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.
Apr 4
2 hr 37 min
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