I’ll admit it: I’m more thrilled about ‘Teen Beach 2’ than my kids are!
Yes, I’m a 40-year-old woman who enjoys sushi, craft beer, the literary works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jane Austen, and, yes, the Teen Beach Movie franchise. When I discovered that ‘Teen Beach 2’ would premiere tonight, I felt a rush of excitement that was almost embarrassing—almost.
In my household, we arrived late to the Teen Beach Movie phenomenon, primarily because we were missing a key player: a tween girl. When the original film came out in July 2013, I was busy with three sons and a toddler daughter. My boys recognized the movie; they might have even shown some interest. However, it wasn’t until last summer, when I picked up the DVD for our road trip, that we really dove into it.
And now, we know it inside and out. I must confess that I’ve never actually watched the film from beginning to end with my own eyes. But I’ve definitely heard it about 4,356 times as it played on repeat behind my head during drives through the stunning mountains of western North Carolina last summer. By the end of our travels, my then-2-year-old daughter insisted on being called “Mac,” and I could belt out every song alongside my 10-year-old son.
This newfound knowledge of tween pop culture has been quite handy. I can finally join conversations with my mom friends, who often lament about their upcoming meet-and-greets at R5 concerts. I can chat about Ross Lynch and his charming surfer-boy persona with some degree of expertise. And yes, I might even enjoy a few of his non-TBM tracks. What can I say? I can keep up with the kids!
What truly captivates me about Teen Beach Movie—and what I hope to adore in the sequel premiering tonight on Disney Channel—is its nostalgic essence, reminiscent of the innocent joy found in Grease. I remember my mom dragging me to see Grease in theaters about nine times when I was just 5 years old. I played the edited-for-TV version repeatedly during my childhood and spun the vinyl soundtrack on my Fisher-Price record player until I knew every lyric, even if I had no clue what they meant. The creators of Teen Beach Movie likely aimed to tug at my “Hopelessly Devoted” heartstrings, knowing I would appreciate this lighthearted entertainment for my children.
And they nailed it. Like Grease, Teen Beach Movie is unapologetically cheesy. With clever lyrics, adorable kids, and a cheeky acknowledgment of the absurdity of musical films, I relish every moment. In a world where tweens often lean towards sarcasm and precociousness, these films offer a refreshing escape from cynicism. They strike a balance between modern and nostalgic, with references to classic teen beach films and nods to West Side Story, making them enjoyable for both my kids and me (not to mention my mom). They’re simply delightful.
So tonight, you’ll find me living the dream of a 40-year-old mom: cozied up on the couch in my pajamas, surrounded by my children, eyes glued to the screen for the next chapter of what is bound to become our family’s summer anthem. Sure, there will be some elbowing and shouting over who gets to sit where or hold the popcorn, but that won’t dampen my excitement. Until then, I’ll be singing my heart out, completely off-key, because it’s my favorite. Just a heads up: you might find yourself humming along too.
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Summary
A 40-year-old mom shares her excitement about the premiere of ‘Teen Beach 2,’ reflecting on her family’s late introduction to the franchise. She discusses her fondness for cheesy musicals, her ability to engage in tween culture conversations, and how the movie reconnects her to her childhood love for Grease.
Keyphrase: Teen Beach Movie excitement
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