You're Invited to Mary-Kate and Ashley's Party

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You're Invited to Mary-Kate and Ashley's Party
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that You're Invited to Mary-Kate and Ashley's Party celebrates a differently themed party in each episode, from a costume event to a school dance. The recognizable twins play themselves and, surrounded by a cast of friends, sing, dance, and plan their way to ultimate party success. Often their efforts take them on location to different venues, and there are no adults to either guide or stand in their way, which accounts for their seemingly unlimited freedom. As such, it's worth noting to younger kids that the real world works differently (no impromptu air travel to see the Mall of America, for instance), but there's no cause for worry in the rest of the content, which focuses on friendship, adventure, and having fun.
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What's the Story?
YOU'RE INVITED TO MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY'S PARTY is a series of movies in which Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen host a variety of themed parties with a rotating cast of friends. From an elaborate birthday gala to an impromptu jaunt to the Mall of America, this dynamic duo knows how to celebrate the big events and the small ones, with music, laughter, and a whole lot of fun.
Is It Any Good?
These direct-to-video productions from the late '90s feel very low-budget by today's standards, and their saccharine nature may wear thin on parents. As far as entertaining kids, though, they still manage to do the trick, thanks in large part to the delightful twin stars at the helm. For all the notoriety that would follow them in their older years, these movies are a testament to Mary-Kate and Ashley's exuberance and genuine talent in front of a camera, particularly in their younger years.
Even though there's no real point to any of the stories -- aside from celebrating the hostesses' unrestricted access to every whim, it would seem -- they're fun to watch and will appeal to kids' imaginations. These are no run-of-the-mill parties, after all; they usually involve some jet-setting, shopping trips, and lots of input from friends. Naturally it's tough to rein in the sense of excitement such productions may inspire, but these elaborate versions of simpler events such as slumber parties and campouts provide a good opportunity to point out to your kids the differences between real life and what we see on TV.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Olsen twins' idea of a good time compares to their own. Kids: If you were to throw a party with a similar theme, how would you do it differently?
To what degree does music help sell these productions? Would they be as enjoyable without the songs? Are these the kinds of songs you'd like to hear outside this show?
What makes the Olsen twins such big stars? Do you think their talent warrants the kind of fame they've enjoyed since they were toddlers? Kids: Is fame a worthy aspiration? Is there a downside to being well-known?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 12, 1995
- Cast: Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen
- Network: Nickelodeon
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Music and Sing-Along
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: September 19, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love tween fun
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