This week's "Jack the Giant Slayer," a 3-D retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk legend, contains all the elements of the classic tale: farm boy, beans, giants, etc. But along for the ride is a new character, Princess Isabelle, played by Eleanor Tomlinson.

A big-budget, effects-laden, 3-D retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk legend may seem like the unlikeliest pairing yet of director Bryan Singer and writer Christopher McQuarrie, but "Jack the Giant Slayer" ends up being smart, thrilling and a whole lot of fun.

It’s a wacky but fun East Valley tradition for kids: Swimming with Santa.

Folkloric legends truly are the guardians of childhood. From the perspective of a child, the world can be an enchanting place full of infinite wonder and possibilities. The belief in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and others fuels such innocence. Once their existence is questioned though, kids begin to slide down an unstoppable downhill slope that will inevitably result in adulthood. Most grown-ups likely envy children for their ability to believe in such mythical beings. How we all long to replace our adult cynicism and practicality with the magic and mystery of youth.

There is truly an excitement in the air as the holiday season begins! Traditions include baking cookies, attending festive parties and, of course, playing in the snow. Let’s not forget about kids thinking about what they are going to ask Santa Claus to bring them! What about the families that need a little extra help this season? ABC15 is proud to once again partner with Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln to be part of the annual Operation Santa Claus Charity Drive. The first ten years have resulted in a record number of donations for Valley children’s charities with over 50,000 donations to date.

Folkloric legends truly are the guardians of childhood. From the perspective of a child, the world can be an enchanting place full of infinite wonder and possibilities. The belief in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and others fuels such innocence. Once their existence is questioned though, kids begin to slide down an unstoppable downhill slope that will inevitably result in adulthood. Most grown-ups likely envy children for their ability to believe in such mythical beings. How we all long to replace our adult cynicism and practicality with the magic and mystery of youth.

A very odd assortment of mythical childhood figures, some of them afflicted with severe emotional insecurities and inferiority complexes, are thrown together as an unlikely set of action heroes in "The Rise of the Guardians," an attractively designed but overly busy and derivative mishmash of kid-friendly elements.

Mesa Arts Center hosts this annual Dia de los Muertos community celebration with live entertainment, a Mercado, kid’s activities, and five contemporary altars, including a community altar where attendees are invited to leave memories of loved ones.

Fifteen dogs attended Sue Subkow's first Halloween party in 2005. Half wore costumes, half were naked and all went home in about an hour.

Looking to mark Oktoberfest with something other than a rowdy festival? Celebrate with a German dinner and live band while cruising around Saguaro Lake near Mesa.

Local band Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers has no trouble filling a sizeable venue by itself. Add the lure of sizzling sausages, cold beer and good old-fashioned Bavarian-themed amusements, and you’ve got the makings of one giant party on your hands.

We've had zombies, demons, vampires and ghosts. Why shouldn't a dybbuk — the Judaic version of the possessing spirit — have a chance to finally shine again on the big screen?

Queen Creek is seeking sponsors and vendors in a variety of opportunities for its Halloween celebration, Trunk or Treat.

“Cinderella”: Spend an enchanted evening watching Actor’s Youth Theatre’s original stage production of the princess who lost a shoe and found a prince.

On Sundays in July, you can enjoy the award-winning Heard Museum for free. There are hands-on kids activities, free ice cream (first-come, first-served), a museum scavenger hunt, and a story time with an American Indian storyteller, not to mention access to exhibits like “Beyond Geronimo: The Apache Experience.”

A Valley-based board game company has turned the story of Jacob Waltz and his famed gold mine into a board game called “Legend of the Lost Dutchman.”

A rare, first-edition copy of one of the Mormon community’s most holy books has been missing for nearly a week, and its owner would like to have it back so it can complete its religious mission.

OK, so not all mothers are perfect. But, the persistent folklore that mothers-in-law are to be shunned is a tragic waste of usable nurturing. In truth, it’s one of society’s most foolish myths.

OK, so not all mothers are perfect. But, the persistent folklore that mothers-in-law are to be shunned is a tragic waste of usable nurturing. In truth, it’s one of society’s most foolish myths.

It is a Tuesday afternoon and Samantha Spinelle sits crossed-legged on the cool, concrete floor of her office. A small, tan dog named Finn is folded into her arms. She strokes her hand over an angular body that is comprised of little more than skin stretched taut over bones. The warm cocoon of her embrace and soft caress is pure torture. In his world humans are not good. If only he could crawl back under her desk and make himself one with the hot-pink dog bed where he was safe just moments ago. Eyes fixed at some point beyond the gray wall, he is frozen, save for the slight, involuntary shudder that comes with each touch.

A 15-year resident of Ahwatukee Foothills, Neal A. Lester, who has served as dean of humanities at Arizona State University, has been appointed an associate vice president in the Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development (OKED).

The Arizona Department of Health Services’ SunWise Program is accepting entries into its annual poster-drawing and video contests.

To honor the 250^th anniversary of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States, IHOP invites guests to make the day more festive with a special St. Patrick’s Day Green Eggs Combo, available only on March 17.

Direct from Ireland comes a new show celebrating Irish heritage with powerful dances and songs.  At 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts in Wickenburg, Celtic Nights “Journey of Hope” will transport audiences through time in this stirring tale of the Irish experience.