Movies and TV

Family hopes film raises awareness

Too many parents whose children struggle with reading don't even know that something called dyslexia exists, reflects Phoenix father Kerry Wangberg. Wangberg and his...

VYT presents “Shrek The Musical”

It looks like Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix is the first Arizona theater to snag the rights to perform "Shrek The Musical," which closes...

“Nicky’s Family” recounts children’s rescue

For Phoenix mother Deborah Muller, the subject of a film called "Nicky's Family" really hits home. Both her mother's parents, now deceased, were Holocaust...

“Parental Guidance” a smart, funny film

Watching pre-release teasers for the film "Parental Guidance" led me to believe it was just another jumble of crass and crude. Think curly-headed grandson...

“Les Misérables” : Honest work, just reward

"Les Misérables" was born by pen to Victor Hugo -- a French poet, novelist and dramatist -- in 1862. Hugo's story addresses characters in...

“Rise of the Guardians” a timely reminder

Were our three children still tiny, holiday gifts at our house would include "The Guardians" by William Joyce, a trio of books recounting the adventures of...

“This is 40” is cute but crass

If you're heading out to the movies with family members this weekend, be forewarned. A new film titled "This Is 40" would be better titled "This...

25 DVDs for family film time

As friends and family gather this time of year, there's something to be said for the simple joys of watching films together. Movies are...

Hobbit leaps from book to big screen

J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" was required reading for students of my generation -- often assigned by teachers and frequently shared between peers. I can...

“Life of Pi” affirms the power of story

The movie "Life of Pi," which opened Wednesday in Valley theaters, is based on Yann Martel's 2001 novel. Early images in the film, which...

Film captures Lincoln as family man

We remember Abraham Lincoln most often in his role as 16th president of the United States of America. But the film "Lincoln," written by...

Final “Twilight” film proves vampires never die

The "Twilight" series imagines life for teens in a rural part of Washington state where some residents are vampires or shapeshift into wolves. Only those who change...

“Twilight’s” Booboo Stewart to appear at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center’s VIP event

Booboo Stewart, who plays Seth Clearwater in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2" will make an appearance at a special VIP event marking...

Fun with Halloween films

Families eager to enjoy Halloween films together have several to choose from on DVD and in movie theaters. Here's a sampling to help you...

Victoria Justice: From “Victorious” to “Fun Size”

Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice appears in the PG-13 Halloween movie “Fun Size,” out Oct. 26. The teen comedy focuses on her character, Wren, a...

Film tackles school choice

School choice advocates praise "Won't Back Down," a film inspired by actual events, as clear evidence that parents and teachers should have the freedom to take over...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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