Roger W. Watson, Author at

Pacific Rim: 15 Things You Didn't Know About Jaegers

07 Nov

The Secret to Pacific Rim’s Genre Success

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

The realms of science fiction and action have consistently presented narratives featuring colossal creatures, unlikely heroes, and the human race's battle against overwhelming challenges. By 2013, viewers were well-acquainted with Japanese kaiju cinema, exemplified by Godzilla, and Hollywood's fondness for grand-scale devastation, seen in movies like "Independence Day" and "Transformers." Nevertheless, ‘Pacific Rim’, under the direction of Guillermo del Toro, successfully forged its own distinct character, even while openly referencing these established genres.Rich Visual World-Building and DesignOne of the film's most defining qualities is its world-building. Del Toro and his creative team invested significant energy into crafting a believable near-future…

Wings, fried chicken and British delicacies: How an appetite for originality transformed celebrity interviews

07 Nov

Fried Chicken & British Delicacies: The Originality Behind Celebrity Interviews

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

The traditional celebrity interview once adhered to a familiar pattern: courteous inquiries, refined responses, and a notable absence of unexpected moments. However, a recent cultural transformation has reshaped the way public figures engage with their fan base. Abruptly, discussions concerning cinema and stardom are unfolding over meals like fried chicken, buffalo wings, or classic British comfort dishes. What started as an innovative endeavor has blossomed into a distinct media category—a blend of amusement, genuine interaction, and culinary enjoyment, offering a novel experience in an environment overflowing with celebrity-focused material.At a time when traditional talk shows have lost their luster and…

Collapse of Sonder, a Marriott-backed hotel chain, leaves guests stranded mid-stay

07 Nov

Marriott-Backed Sonder Fails, Stranding Guests

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

Travelers encountered unforeseen interruptions when Sonder, a hotel chain supported by Marriott, suddenly halted its business. Patrons in various cities were left without lodging during their stays, leading to widespread annoyance, bewilderment, and inquiries regarding the prospects of app-driven accommodation platforms.The abrupt downfall of Sonder has reverberated throughout the lodging sector, exposing the inherent weaknesses of contemporary, technology-centric hotel paradigms. In contrast to conventional hotels boasting established operational frameworks, enterprises such as Sonder heavily depend on digital interfaces, transient rental accommodations, and aggressive growth tactics. Although this methodology offered ease, adaptability, and novel encounters, the company's sudden cessation of operations…

Sydney Sweeney’s boxing movie was a bomb. Why do we keep making boxing biopics?

07 Nov

The Failure of Sydney Sweeney’s Boxing Biopic

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Hollywood’s obsession with boxing movies shows no sign of slowing down — even as audiences appear to be losing interest. Sydney Sweeney’s latest film, a boxing drama that aimed to merge athletic grit with emotional storytelling, failed to land a knockout at the box office. But beyond the disappointment of one film, its underperformance raises a bigger question: why does Hollywood keep returning to the boxing ring?The sports biographical film has consistently been a cinematic cornerstone, with boxing, notably, occupying a distinct position in film chronicles. Spanning from Rocky to Raging Bull, this genre has presented memorable portrayals, compelling storylines,…

05 Nov

How to Get Cast on a Show Like ‘The Beast in Me’

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Netflix’s upcoming limited series “The Beast in Me” features an all-star lineup, including Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, David Lyons, and Brittany Snow. For creator Gabe Rotter, taking “The Beast in Me” from spec script to the small screen has been a long road. Rotter first wrote the script six to seven years before it was picked up. But it wasn’t until the former “X-Files” writer swapped out the male lead for a female protagonist that he caught the eye of Conan O’Brien’s production company, Conaco, and, subsequently, Jodie Foster. While Foster was considered for the lead, she suggested Danes instead. “The Beast in…

04 Nov

How to Get Cast on a Show Like ‘The Beast in Me’

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Netflix's forthcoming miniseries, "The Beast in Me," boasts a stellar cast, featuring Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, David Lyons, and Brittany Snow. For its creator, Gabe Rotter, the journey of bringing "The Beast in Me" from an initial script to television screens has been extensive. Rotter initially penned the screenplay approximately six to seven years prior to its acquisition. However, it was only after the former "X-Files" scribe altered the main character from male to female that he garnered the attention of Conan O'Brien's production company, Conaco, and subsequently, Jodie Foster. Although Foster was considered for the starring role, she proposed…

How autism rates are rising – and why that could lead to more inclusive communities

31 Oct

Understanding the Increase in Autism Rates & Community Inclusion

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

Autism spectrum disorder is being identified with greater frequency, as a growing number of children are diagnosed annually; however, this trend indicates enhanced recognition rather than a reason for concern. To comprehend autism fully, one must acknowledge both the difficulties it presents and the distinct viewpoints autistic people contribute to our communities.A closer look at autism prevalenceFresh statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that one in every 31 American children receives an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis by their eighth birthday, a notable jump from the 2023 figure of one in 36. This consistent upward…

As Trump awaits an early verdict with Tuesday’s elections, next year’s midterms are already on his mind

30 Oct

From Early Verdict to 2022 Midterms: Trump’s View

Roger W. WatsonInternational

With the political climate in the United States becoming progressively more strained, ex-President Donald Trump is once again the focal point of heightened conjecture and tactical planning, carrying both immediate and future ramifications for his political aspirations. Although current focus is on the impending verdict anticipated prior to Tuesday’s elections, Trump's perspective has already moved past the immediate present — towards the midterm contests of the following year, which have the potential to reshape his standing within the Republican Party and the wider national arena.Trump's expectation prior to the judgmentThe atmosphere surrounding Trump’s current legal and political situation is one…

Heroic actions of train employee and driver saved many lives in England stabbing attack, police say

30 Oct

Police Detail Heroic Actions of Train Crew in England Stabbing Attack

Roger W. WatsonInternational

A coordinated response by railway staff and police prevented a potential tragedy during a stabbing attack on a London-bound train, highlighting the bravery and quick thinking of those involved. The incident, which took place on a high-speed London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service, left multiple passengers injured but was contained swiftly thanks to decisive action from the train driver, a heroic colleague, and emergency responders.Prompt intervention prevents larger catastropheThe attack occurred on a Saturday evening shortly after the train departed Peterborough station in Cambridgeshire. Police received the first emergency call at approximately 7:39 p.m. local time, reporting a stabbing onboard…

30 Oct

Police Detail Heroic Actions of Train Crew in England Stabbing Attack

Roger W. WatsonInternational

A coordinated response by railway staff and police prevented a potential tragedy during a stabbing attack on a London-bound train, highlighting the bravery and quick thinking of those involved. The incident, which took place on a high-speed London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service, left multiple passengers injured but was contained swiftly thanks to decisive action from the train driver, a heroic colleague, and emergency responders.Prompt intervention prevents larger catastropheThe attack occurred on a Saturday evening shortly after the train departed Peterborough station in Cambridgeshire. Police received the first emergency call at approximately 7:39 p.m. local time, reporting a stabbing onboard…