Against the Grain: 10 Reviews We Got Wrong (Or Right?) in 2013

Here at Waffler Towers we're often baffled by the praise heaped on movies we feel are undeserving. Other times we champion a movie only to see it trashed in the mainstream. Using Rotten Tomatoes as a reference point, here are 10 examples from 2013 where our evaluations differed wildly from the general consensus. Were we completely wrong or just not drinking the right Kool-Aid?

What Makes a Christmas Movie?

Christmas. For some it’s a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus. For others, it’s about spending quality time with the family (or pretending to enjoy the company of your in-laws). But if you’re a movie lover, the holiday season is all about bingeing out on your favourite festive flicks while flopped on the couch like a pregnant hippo, preferably with a glass of mulled wine in one hand and a box of extremely fattening chocolates within reach of the other.

Five Simple Tips For Promoting Your Low Budget Movie!

Here at TMW we love to promote indie films by reviewing them on equal terms alongside Hollywood's latest blockbusters. In our dealings with first time film-makers, however, we often notice a few mistakes when it comes to promoting their product. Here are five tips to help get your film noticed.

Film-makers Vs Critics: A Cultural Cold War

Can't they just get along?

TV Waffle - Doctor Who: The First Four Doctors

With the BBC celebrating 50 years of 'Doctor Who', Nick Sauer takes a look back at the first four incarnations of the Doctor.

Happy Birthday Vivien Leigh!

November sees the 100th anniversary of the birth of a legendary actress and Hollywood icon.

TV Waffle - A Short History of Horror TV

Horror as the basis for a television series is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Historically, there have been a number of attempts at this and they seem to fall into three relatively distinct stages based on my observation. However, it seems to be only relatively recently that really effective horror based television series have become available in the media.

Real Horror vs Reel Horror

A look at how horror movies reflect the social concerns of the time.

Orson Welles' Irish Ghost Story

The little known Welles starring short 'Return To Glennascaul'.

How long does a movie need to be?

With recent Hollywood movies averaging running times around the two hours and 30 minutes mark, TMW asks "How long does a movie need to be?".

Documentary on cinema's 1st female director seeks funding

Director Pamela Green and Co-Director Jarik Van Sluijs, nominated for an Emmy as co-producers for the 2010 documentary 'Bhutto' are using Kickstarter to raise financing for their documentary-in-the-making about the first female film director 'Be Natural: The untold story of Alice Guy-Blaché'. You can help them reach their goal by clicking on the link below:

Is the DVD store dead?

Is the web the new DVD store?

Post Comic-Con

TMW's Andy Comer was present at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. Here are his thoughts.

The Coen Brothers Box Set: A Celebration of Everything that Rules (and Sucks) About The Brothers

For most people, their introduction to the directing prowess of the Coen Brothers comes in the form of a shaggy-haired, bearded man in a dressing gown with a propensity to being called ‘The Dude’.

A Look Forward to San Diego Comic-Con 2013

The Movie Waffler's Andy Comer is headed for this year's San Diego Comic-Con, taking place between July 18th - 21st.

Happy Birthday Mel Brooks!

Mel Brooks was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1926, and was already working as a comedian in his neighborhood by the time he was a teenager. After serving in World War II, Brooks returned home and worked as an entertainer in various resorts in New York’s Catskills region, performing standup comedy and even working as a drummer at times.

Summer 2013 Animation Preview

In a summer exploding with sequels, reboots and potential franchise starters, one couldn’t be blamed for forgetting the animated films being released in the coming months.  'Man of Steel', 'The Lone Ranger', and 'Pacific Rim' are just a few of the many summer hopefuls that are appearing on many want-to-see lists.  Even so, one shouldn’t overlook the animation field, which is constantly expanding, and this summer is no exception.  Here are the 5 biggest animated films of this summer.

Summer 2013 Movie Preview

What better way to spend those warm summer days than in a darkened movie theater? TMW looks at the most interesting movies on the way this summer.*

TMW's 500th Post!

TMW has hit our 500th post. Allow us to get all nostalgic.

A Fair Lady's Dark Past

In Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin’s Harold’s Cross, rests an unspoken piece of Hollywood history. There you can find the grave of one Anthony Hepburn-Ruston. His name may be meaningless to you, but if you read the inscription you’ll see mention of a daughter named Audrey. Yes, Anthony was the father of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, Audrey Hepburn.