Benjamin Hall, Author at Cactus three

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

07

Nov

Culture and Entertainment

How Originality in Food Transformed Celebrity Interviews: Wings & More

Celebrity interviews used to follow a predictable script — polite questions, polished answers, and very few surprises. But in recent years, a cultural shift has redefined how stars connect with audiences. Suddenly, conversations about film and fame are taking place over fried chicken, wings, or traditional British comfort food. What began as a creative experiment has evolved into a new media genre — one that mixes entertainment, authenticity, and appetite to serve up something fresh in a world saturated with celebrity content.At a time when traditional talk shows have lost their luster and social media dominates public conversation, creators are…

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

07

Nov

By Benjamin Hall

Culture and Entertainment

What made ‘Pacific Rim’ stand out in its genre?

The science fiction and action genres have long been home to tales of giant monsters, heroic underdogs, and humanity’s struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds. By 2013, audiences were familiar with kaiju films from Japan like Godzilla, as well as Hollywood's penchant for spectacular destruction in films such as "Independence Day" and "Transformers." Yet, ‘Pacific Rim’, directed by Guillermo del Toro, managed to carve a new identity despite drawing clear inspiration from these traditions.Expansive Visual Universe Creation and AestheticsOne of the film's most defining qualities is its world-building. Del Toro and his creative team invested significant energy into crafting a believable…

Trump floats ,000 tariff rebate checks. What you need to know

07

Nov

By Benjamin Hall

Economy

Trump’s Plan for $2,000 Tariff Checks: Get the Facts

Ex-President Donald Trump has put forward a novel economic initiative designed to alleviate the financial strain on American families. This proposal, which entails distributing $2,000 rebate checks linked to tariffs, has ignited discussion among financial experts, legislators, and the general populace, prompting inquiries into its prospective effects on rising prices, international commerce, and the overall economic landscape.Trump's suggestion arises amidst continuous conversations regarding the handling of economic repercussions stemming from global trade strategies. Tariffs, defined as levies applied to imported products, have historically served as a mechanism for the United States to safeguard local businesses, shape international relations, and accrue…

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

07

Nov

By Benjamin Hall

Culture and Entertainment

The Boxing Biopic Problem: Sydney Sweeney’s Flop

Hollywood's fascination with pugilistic cinema shows no signs of abating, despite a noticeable decline in audience engagement. The recent Sydney Sweeney vehicle, a boxing drama intended to blend athletic intensity with poignant narrative, failed to achieve commercial success. However, beyond the specific failure of this particular movie, its lackluster performance prompts a broader inquiry: what compels the film industry to repeatedly revisit the boxing genre?The sports biopic has long been a cinematic staple, and boxing, in particular, has held a special place in film history. From Rocky to Raging Bull, the genre has delivered iconic performances, stirring narratives, and moments…

05

Nov

By Benjamin Hall

Culture and Entertainment

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

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…

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

30

Oct

By Benjamin Hall

Social Responsibility

Autistic Community Growth: Paving the Way for Inclusion

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 prevalenceRecent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 1 in 31 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by age 8, an increase from 1 in 36 in 2023. This steady rise in diagnoses…