Why I’m More Excited About ‘Teen Beach 2’ Than My Kids

I’ll admit it: I’m way more pumped about ‘Teen Beach 2’ than my kids are. Yep, you read that right! As a 40-year-old woman who enjoys sushi, craft beer, and the literary works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jane Austen, I also have a soft spot for Teen Beach Movie. So when I discovered that ‘Teen Beach 2’ was premiering tonight, I felt a rush of excitement that was almost embarrassing.

How We Discovered the Teen Beach Movie Phenomenon

We kind of stumbled onto the Teen Beach Movie phenomenon in our home since we don’t have the essential ingredient of a tween girl. When the original movie came out in July 2013, I had three boys and a toddler daughter. The boys acknowledged the movie; they might have even watched it with some degree of interest. But it wasn’t until last summer, when I picked up the DVD for a road trip, that we really delved into it.

And boy, did we delve! I’ll confess I haven’t actually watched the movie from beginning to end, but I’ve heard it play in the background an estimated 4,356 times while driving through the stunning mountains of North Carolina last summer. By the end of those travels, my then-2-year-old daughter insisted on being called “Mac,” and I could sing every song along with my 10-year-old son.

Embracing Tween Culture

Having this knowledge of tween culture has come in handy. I can hold my own when my mom friends talk about their kids’ upcoming R5 concerts. I can totally discuss Ross Lynch and his surfer-boy charm with authority. I might even enjoy a few of his non-TBM tracks. I know, shocking!

Nostalgia and Family Fun

What I really adore about Teen Beach Movie—and what I hope to love about the sequel premiering tonight on Disney Channel—is that it brings back memories of a simpler time, much like Grease did for me when my mom took me to see it multiple times in theaters when I was little. I watched the edited-for-TV version of Grease obsessively and played the soundtrack until I knew every line, even if I didn’t fully grasp their meanings (thankfully!).

The creators of TBM clearly aimed for my nostalgic heart, knowing I’d appreciate this type of fun for my kids. And they hit the mark! Like Grease, Teen Beach Movie is unapologetically cheesy. There are clever lyrics, adorable kids, and a wink at the absurdity of musical films that I can’t get enough of. In a world where tweens often come off as overly sarcastic, these movies provide a refreshing escape. They are modern yet familiar, with nods to classic beach movies and playful references to West Side Story that appeal to both my kids and me (even my mom!).

Ready for Family Movie Night

So tonight, you’ll catch me living the dream of a 40-year-old mom: snuggled up on the couch in my pajamas, surrounded by my kids, ready for the next chapter in what will surely become part of our family’s soundtrack for summer. Sure, there will be plenty of bickering over who gets the best seat or who gets to hold the popcorn, but I’m still excited! Until then, I’ll be singing my heart out off-key to my favorite tunes because, honestly, you won’t be able to resist joining in either.

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In Summary

In summary, I’m a 40-year-old mom who’s more thrilled about ‘Teen Beach 2’ than my kids, reminiscing about the joys of childhood movies and excited for a fun family night ahead.