Tray Epps dissects Kill —the train-bound action film that weaponizes violence as narrative. We explore how evolving fight choreography, crushing foley work, and immersive camerawork turn every bruise and heartbeat into story. Drawing connections to The Raid, Oldboy, and RRR, this episode shows filmmakers how to harness rhythm, emotion, and consequence in genre cinema. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts—and pick up full show notes and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com. T...
May 25, 2025•4 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Tray Epps dissects Bottoms , Emma Seligman’s razor-sharp, bloodiest teen satire. We unpack how heightened absurdity, messy queer protagonists, and raw fight choreography carry emotional weight without a single set-piece feeling gratuitous. Learn how this film walks the tightrope between meta-comedy and genuine stakes, and why it’s a must-study for any filmmaker pushing genre boundaries. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Full show notes and resources at requiredwatching.com....
May 24, 2025•5 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Tray Epps explores Martin Scorsese’s cult classic The King of Comedy —the original parasocial horror story. We discuss Rupert Pupkin’s delusional quest for fame, Jerry Lewis’s poignant straight-man role, and how this film foresaw our current influencer culture. Episode Highlights: – Scorsese’s use of silence and dread to build tension – Robert De Niro’s portrayal of ambition vs. delusion – Satire on celebrity obsession long before social media – Takeaways for storytellers on character, tone, and...
May 23, 2025•8 min•Season 3Ep. 18
This episode explores why 'Rush Hour' endures as a beloved film 25 years after its release, dissecting the dynamic partnership between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The video delves into how the film combines action and comedy, the smart pacing, and its respectful handling of cultural differences. It discusses the director's role in creating a movie with perfect balance, the chemistry between the stars, and the film's lasting impact on the buddy cop genre. Concluding with a call for viewers to r...
May 02, 2025•4 min•Season 3Ep. 15
This isn’t about Iron Man. It’s about what happens when the biggest film franchise in the world chooses nostalgia over risk , legacy over originality, and comfort over challenge. In this raw and personal episode, Tray Epps breaks down what RDJ’s return to the MCU really signals: Disney’s ongoing shift away from originality toward safer, proven IP The erasure of newer creative voices in favor of familiar icons The unspoken moral inconsistencies behind casting decisions And why the art of superher...
Apr 19, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 14
What happens when you take a classic spy thriller and remix it with Bollywood flair? In this episode, Tray Epps explores how Ek Tha Tiger redefines espionage cinema through a uniquely Indian lens. From high-octane action and political undertones to an emotionally layered romance, Ek Tha Tiger is more than just a blockbuster—it’s the foundation of the YRF Spy Universe. We unpack: Why Salman Khan’s Tiger is part action hero, part myth How Katrina Kaif’s Zoya reshapes the damsel trope The subtle po...
Apr 18, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Speed has one of the cleanest high-concept premises in movie history: A bomb on a bus that can’t drop below 50 MPH. And somehow, that one idea gave us 116 minutes of nonstop tension, character chemistry, and genre-defining moments. In this episode, Tray Epps breaks down why Speed is more than a 90s action movie — it’s required watching for anyone learning to write or direct films. We talk about: Why a simple, focused concept is the key to tension What makes Keanu & Sandra’s dynamic work with...
Apr 17, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 12
No budget. No experience. No film school. Just vision. In this episode, Tray Epps explores Pather Panchali , Satyajit Ray’s quiet epic that became a landmark of world cinema. We unpack: Why Pather Panchali is essential for filmmakers The deeply human story of Apu and his family How natural lighting and real locations created visual poetry Mumblecore before mumblecore The sound of wind, footsteps, and Ravi Shankar’s sitar Why slow pacing might be the point The global impact and lasting legacy of ...
Apr 16, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 11
What if Godzilla wasn’t just a monster—but a metaphor? In this episode of Required Watching , Tray Epps breaks down Godzilla Minus One and its black-and-white Minus Color version to explore why this movie hits harder than most modern monster films. This isn’t your dad’s Godzilla. We talk about: Why Minus One is a return to emotional, allegorical filmmaking How a $15M budget delivered better results than most blockbusters The deeper meaning behind Koichi’s arc and Godzilla as trauma The differenc...
Apr 15, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Beyond music, Michael Jackson crafted groundbreaking short films. We dive into his cinematic influence, his storytelling techniques, and how his work reshaped music videos into an art form. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Follow on social: @Req...
Oct 31, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Follow on social: @RequiredWatching on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok 🎥 Watch the videos: youtube.com/RequiredWatching 💖 Support the show: become a patron at patreon.com/requiredwatching for early access, behind...
Oct 31, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Renfield offers a fresh, humorous take on the Dracula mythos. Discover how this film reinvents classic horror archetypes through dark comedy and memorable performances, and what that means for horror-comedy. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Foll...
Oct 30, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 7
With its haunting visuals and feminist themes, Bulbbul stands out in Indian cinema. We explore its mythical storytelling and powerful themes, analyzing what makes it a modern horror masterpiece. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Follow on social:...
Oct 30, 2024•8 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Bhoot brings a fresh spin to the horror genre in Indian cinema. Join us as we dissect its use of suspense, cultural context, and traditional horror tropes that captivate and haunt audiences worldwide. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Follow on s...
Oct 29, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Takashi Miike’s Audition remains one of the most disturbing films in horror. This episode delves into how its narrative, suspense, and shock elements create a lasting impact, and what filmmakers can learn from its mastery. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/new...
Oct 29, 2024•8 min•Season 3Ep. 4
When two iconic anti-heroes collide, what lessons can filmmakers take from their unique blend of humor, grit, and unpredictability? We explore the evolution of both characters and how they revolutionize the genre. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter �...
Oct 28, 2024•8 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Trap challenges thriller conventions with its tense, unpredictable plot. In this analysis, we break down the film’s unique narrative, its visual storytelling, and discuss how it keeps audiences on edge from start to finish. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/ne...
Oct 28, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Dive into Todd Phillips' Joker and its portrayal of Arthur Fleck's descent into chaos. We'll explore the film’s psychological depth, its bold storytelling choices, and what it means for the future of anti-hero narratives in film. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching....
Oct 28, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Yeah, I needed to take it to the streets in this very rough reaction the the film that will likely be nominated for all of the awards, but deserves to have just been a different movie entirely. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Follow on social: ...
Nov 09, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 37
We dive deep into the gripping world of 'The Host' (2006), a thrilling creature feature from South Korea directed by Bong Joon Ho. In this movie review, we explore the film's captivating storyline, memorable characters, and the impact it has had on the monster movie genre. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcrip...
Oct 12, 2023•10 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In this video, we're talking the last film in the KGF series, KGF 2. We review the movie, give our movie reaction and suggest some required watching if you want to enjoy the film to its fullest! If you're a fan of the KGF series, then you need to watch KGF 2! This movie is packed with action, adventure and humour, and it's sure to satisfy every fan of the series. Watch our video review and see for yourself why KGF 2 is one of the best movies of the year! Thanks for listening to Required Watching...
Oct 06, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 35
In this early reaction, we delve into the enchanting world of Wes Anderson's latest cinematic masterpiece, a short film adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved story, 'The Swan.' Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Follow on social: @RequiredWatching on...
Oct 05, 2023•5 min•Season 2Ep. 34
We delve into the enchanting world of Wes Anderson's latest piece—a whimsical short film adaptation of Roald Dahl's timeless classic, "The Ratcatcher." Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Follow on social: @RequiredWatching on Twitter, Instagram an...
Oct 05, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 33
If you're a fan of Anderson's distinctive style or have a soft spot for Roald Dahl's timeless tales, this review is a must-watch. Discover the poisonously delightful nuances of this cinematic masterpiece in our latest video! Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/n...
Oct 05, 2023•8 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Discover how Anderson's unique style seamlessly blends with Dahl's enchanting narrative, creating a cinematic experience that's both nostalgic and fresh. Thanks for listening to Required Watching! Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts—every ★ helps more filmmakers and cinephiles find these deep dives. 🎬 Join our community: sign up for show notes, transcripts, and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com/newsletter 🐦 Follow on social: @RequiredWatching on Twitter, Instagram ...
Oct 05, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 31
From the brilliant writing to the impeccable performances, "Fleabag" captivates theatergoers with its sharp wit, impeccable timing, and unflinching exploration of human flaws and relationships. We discuss the show's ability to effortlessly transition between laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections, creating an immersive and emotionally charged experience. REQUIRED WATCHING ON SOCIAL Instagram: http://instagram.com/Requiredwatch Twitter: http://twitter.com/requiredwatch Subscribe to our p...
Sep 16, 2023•14 min•Season 2Ep. 30
The blockbuster Indian film that captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and larger-than-life characters. We explore the captivating narrative of "KGF" and its immersive portrayal of the underbelly of the gold mining region in the 1970s. We analyze the mesmerizing performance of Yash as the protagonist, as he navigates the treacherous paths of the criminal underworld in pursuit of his goals. REQUIRED WATCHING ON SOCIAL Instagram: http://instagram.com/Requiredwatch Twitter: http://twitte...
Sep 15, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 29
In our heartfelt film review, we explore the captivating narrative of "Your Name" and its ability to transcend conventional storytelling. We discuss the profound connection between the two protagonists, their mysterious encounters, and the delicate balance between their intertwined lives. From the stunning animation to the evocative soundtrack, "Your Name" enchants viewers with its visual splendor and emotional depth. We delve into the film's mesmerizing animation style, the vibrant colors that ...
Sep 14, 2023•10 min•Season 2Ep. 28
"🏴☠️ One Piece Live Action Series Review: Did the Grand Line Adventure Sail Smoothly? 🎬 Join us for initial thoughts of the highly-anticipated One Piece Live Action adaptation! From Straw Hat crew dynamics to epic battles, we delve into every aspect of this pirate-filled journey. 🏴☠️ Discover if Luffy, Zoro, and the gang successfully transition from manga to screen as we explore the hits and misses of this ambitious adaptation. Tune in for an unfiltered discussion on the challenges of bring...
Aug 24, 2023•17 min•Season 2Ep. 27
This week we dive back into the deep and grandiose world of "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion," the epic Indian film that took the world by storm. Join us as we review and dissect this cinematic masterpiece, exploring its breathtaking visuals, compelling storytelling, and powerful performances. Whether you're a fan of Indian cinema or simply someone who appreciates epic storytelling, this review of "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion" Check out this video. REQUIRED WATCHING ON SOCIAL Instagram: http://insta...
Jun 12, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 26
