Dash Forum One of the most popular forums with over 322,800 viewers monthly.

Looking For A Good Family Christmas Movie? Check Out Netflix’s ‘Klaus’ The titular Klaus, and Jasper. Netflix It can be tough to find a good Christmas movie that caters to the whole family; old favorites aren’t always as engaging as we remember them, especially for the little ones.  But Netflix’s Klaus, released last year, is a spectacular animated film that caters to every age demographic, featuring Looney Tunes-style slapstick, snappy one-liners, and a warm, beating heart at the center of the story.   Klaus manages to reimagine and humanize Santa Claus, to some degree; usually, my eyes roll at the thought of turning a timeless children’s myth into an origin story, but here, it really works. Like every other family Christmas movie, Klaus depicts a selfish protagonist developing empathy through the joy of giving, but in a unique twist, said protagonist manages to inadvertently inspire Santa Claus in the process.     Our hero, Jasper (Jason Schwartzman) isn’t an isolated, bitter recluse like the Grinch, but simply a spoiled brat, born into obscene wealth, power and privilege, trying to do as little work as possible, coasting in the Postal Academy while waiting for his inheritance to kick in.   But the Academy pushes an unwilling Jasper out into the world, to the foreboding island town of Smeerensburg, a grim, barren place, populated by folk who haven’t felt the need to send a letter in decades. Indeed, every single inhabitant of the town is constantly on edge, ready to fight, the families having entangled themselves in an endless web of bitter rivalries and blood feuds. Desperate to convince one of the townsfolk to send a letter, simply so he can escape the wretched island, Jasper searches through Smeerensburg for a single kind soul, somebody who actually wants to communicate through writing, rather than brute force. Eventually, Jasper encounters the titular Klaus (J.K. Simmons), a surly, intimidating woodsman hiding a heart of gold, along with a tremendous talent for craftsmanship, and the two outcasts form a bond. From there, the origin story begins, and the film softens, scene by scene, the slapstick violence replaced by acts of kindness and generosity, the two characters developing their unfulfilled potential.   Strong story aside, Klaus is worth watching for the visuals alone, boasting a unique aesthetic that mimics hand-drawn animation, imbued with a sense of depth through 3D lighting; the film’s style sits comfortably between a Disney classic and a Pixar masterpiece, utilizing the best of both worlds.  Klaus puts an interesting spin on a familiar tale, a heartfelt story of two lost souls learning to care about something other than themselves, and inadvertently, creating a legend in the process. The Umbrella Academy: Klaus Speaks For All Of Us When It Comes To 2020 For Steve Blackman's The Umbrella Academy, the new year is looking to be a pretty promising one- just not for the Hargreeves kids. Still celebrating making Bleeding Cool TV's Top 10 of 2020 list (we can dream), Netflix's live-action adaptation of Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba's comic book series is set to begin filming in February 2021 with our heroes set to dig deeper into the family's dysfunction when they face 'The Sparrow Academy' with a very much alive Ben (Justin H. Min) leading this group of five children and a green cube as Number One. We even learned what series star David Castañeda (Diego aka The Kraken aka Number Two) thought about the script for the third season-opener 'Meet the Family' (written by Blackman and Michelle Lovretta): 'What the f**k?!?'. So with those bright, shining lights waiting at the end of the crappy tunnel that was 202, Netflix has come up with an appropriate way to sum up the year. Cr. CHRISTOS KALOHORIDIS/NETFLIX © 2020 So for a look at how Klaus Hargreeves' (Robert Sheehan) words of wisdom speak for a year we wished wasn't, check out the wit and wisdom of the one-time guru and full-time Hargreeves: Heading into the second season, Five warned his family (so, so many times) that using his powers to escape from Vanya's 2019 apocalypse was risky. Well, he was right – the time jump scatters the siblings in time in and around Dallas, Texas. Over a three year period. Starting in 1960. Some, having been stuck in the past for years, have built lives and moved on, certain they're the only ones who survived. Five is the last to land, smack dab in the middle of a nuclear doomsday, which – spoiler alert! – turns out is a result of the group's disruption of the timeline (déjà vu, anyone?). The Umbrella Academy must find a way to reunite, figure out what caused doomsday, put a stop to it, and return to the present timeline to stop that other apocalypse. All while being hunted by a trio of ruthless Swedish assassins. Joining them on their time-twisted mission are Texas housewife Sissy; a devoted husband and natural-born leader, Raymond; and 'chameleon' Lila, who can be as brilliant or as clinically insane as the situation requires. Adapted from the comic book series from Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, The Umbrella Academy season 2 stars Elliot Page as Vanya aka The White Violin aka Number Seven, Tom Hopper as Luther aka Spaceboy aka Number One, David Castañeda as Diego aka The Kraken aka Number Two, Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison aka The Rumor aka Number Three, Robert Sheehan as Klaus aka The Séance aka Number Four, Aidan Gallagher as Five aka The Boy, and Justin H. Min as Ben aka The Horror aka Number Six. Come join Klaus' cult on The Umbrella Academy (Image: Netflix) The season also starred Colm Feore as Sir Reginald Hargreeves, Kate Walsh as The Handler, Kris Holden-Ried as Axel, Jason Bryden as Otto, Tom Sinclair as Oscar, Yusuf Gatewood as Raymond Chestnut, John Kapelos as Jack Ruby, Ritu Arya as Lila, Stephen Rogaert as Carl, Cameron Britton as Hazel, Kevin Rankin as Elliot, Marin Ireland as Sissy, and Justin Paul Kelly as Harlan. Produced by UCP for Netflix, The Umbrella Academy is executive produced by showrunner Steve Blackman as well as Jeff F. King, Keith Goldberg, and Mike Richardson. Comic book series creators Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá serve as co-executive producers. Enjoyed this article? Share it! About Ray Flook Serving as Television Editor since 2018, Ray began five years earlier as a contributing writer/photographer before being brought onto the core BC team in 2017.       Nationwide Survey Finds Americans Are More Likely To Participate In Dry January This Year Than Ever Before SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 5, 2021-- DRY Soda Company, creator of DRY Botanical Bubbly, a beautifully-flavored, lightly-sweet line of non-alcoholic beverages, released findings from a nationwide survey showing one-third of Americans are more likely to participate in Dry January for 2021, with more interest in taking a break from alcohol than ever before. The survey, polling more than 1,000 Americans, shows a substantial increase in the desire to participate compared to last year, with YouGov reporting that only one-seventh of the population had interest in going sober for January in 2020. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.Businesswire.Com/news/home/20210105005340/en/ DRY Botanical Bubbly Mixology Gift Set for Dry January (Photo: Business Wire) “We conducted this survey because we were curious about Americans’ drinking habits and rituals during this past year given the stressful circumstances from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sharelle Klaus, founder and CEO of DRY. “These results clearly show that while these unprecedented times have increased alcohol consumption for many, they’ve also led to a heightened awareness for taking care of mind, body and soul in 2021 as we remain optimistic and hopeful for what the new year brings. Beyond this, it’s evident that the sober curious movement is still strong and poised to be even bigger in 2021, giving non-alcoholic brands like DRY the opportunity to have a positive impact on people’s well-being.” This year’s survey uncovers the reason for people’s pandemic-related drinking habits, noting that while many people started drinking more in 2020, the past year has also accelerated why people are thinking about imbibing less for the new year. One-fourth of people say they’re drinking more since the pandemic, and of these, approximately half say they’re doing so because they are stressed or use it as a way to cope. With studies showing that alcohol can actually increase the stress and anxiety that many are hoping to ease with drinking, there is also an increased awareness from survey respondents about the positive benefits of an alcohol detox. More than half of people who have participated in a sober month or event said they felt healthier or less stressed, making an even better case for those who are more interested in participating in Dry January this year to take on the month as an opportunity to re-evaluate their relationships with alcohol and improve their health and well-being. Beyond these results from DRY, the explosion of zero-proof options in the market is making it easier for people to access non-alcoholic beverages that can be enjoyed year-round. Brands are continuing to curate unique formulations and experiences for those not wanting to drink or looking to participate in sober months. For example, DRY is a presenting sponsor of the Dry January Festival, celebrating new zero-proof inspiration throughout the month and helping people create new drinking rituals, and has developed a special Dry January Mixology Gift Set, which includes a set of basic bar tools, DRY’s new handbook, “ The Guide to Zero-Proof Cocktails,” samples of DRY and a reusable tote. The brand is also kicking off 2021 with a speaking tour with Klaus, weekly happy hours and a partnership with Sans Bar in Austin to launch a special Academy in February to increase access for those who are interested in establishing sober bars and events. With a variety of resources from across the world and a supportive community in the non-alcoholic space, people now have the opportunity to take part in life’s celebrations with a renewed focus on living their best, most mindful lives without the social pressure of drinking, establishing healthier habits and rituals that can be created during Dry January for the entire year. Available in eight culinary-inspired flavors, like Lavender, Ginger, Vanilla, Fuji Apple and Cucumber, DRY Botanical Bubbly is crafted with just four ingredients and is inspired by the real flavors of fruit, herbs and spices. Founded in 2005 by Klaus, who believes that every party, bar and restaurant should be working to improve how they serve, host, and toast those who choose to not drink alcohol, DRY was crafted to be worthy of meal pairing, premium non-alcoholic mixology, and sipping on its own in place of a cocktail or wine. Easy to sip solo or mix into a zero-proof cocktail, all flavors are Non-GMO Project Verified, caffeine-free, gluten-free, OU Kosher and sodium-free, with only 45-70 calories per 12-ounce serving and less sugar and calories than sparkling wine. DRY Botanical Bubbly is available in over 10,000 specialty, natural and traditional grocers, restaurants and bars nationwide, including Kroger, Safeway, Ralph’s, Raley’s, Fry’s, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, QFC, Giant-Carlisle, Schnucks, H-E-B and many more, plus online at Amazon.Com and www.Drinkdry.Com. To read the full survey results and to learn more about DRY, please visit www.Drinkdry.Com. About DRY Soda Company DRY Soda Company is the creator of DRY Botanical Bubbly, a line of beautifully flavored, lightly sweet non-alcoholic beverages made with just a handful of ingredients. Founded in Seattle in 2005 by mother of four Sharelle Klaus, DRY Botanical Bubbly was created to be an exciting, refreshing and sophisticated beverage that tastes great, looks perfect in a party setting, and feels as elegant as a cocktail or glass of wine – so everyone, even those who aren’t drinking, can enjoy the party and feel celebrated. The line features eight non-alcoholic, culinary-inspired flavors that are sweetened with a touch of cane sugar and available in 12-ounce glass bottles, slim 12-ounce cans, four-packs and seasonal 750-mL Celebration bottles. DRY is sold in thousands of retail stores, restaurants and cafes across North America. For more information about DRY, please visit www.Drinkdry.Com. View source version on businesswire.Com:https://www.Businesswir