Yes, it’s true! I’m a 40-year-old woman who enjoys sushi, craft beer, the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jane Austen, and, believe it or not, Teen Beach Movie. So when I discovered that Teen Beach 2 was premiering tonight, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me that was almost embarrassing—like giddy schoolgirl excitement.
We came late to the Teen Beach Movie phenomenon in our household, mainly because we don’t have a key player: a tween girl. When the original TBM hit screens in July 2013, I was busy raising three sons and a toddler daughter. My boys acknowledged the movie and might have even watched it with a bit of interest. However, it wasn’t until last summer, when I picked up the DVD for our road trip, that we truly became fans.
And let me tell you, we know that movie inside and out! I admit, I’ve never actually sat down and watched it from beginning to end, but I’ve heard it play through countless times—about 4,356, if I’m counting correctly—as it looped in the background during our drives through the stunning mountains of North Carolina. By summer’s end, my then-2-year-old daughter was insisting on being called “Mac,” and I could sing along with my 10-year-old son to every song.
This newfound knowledge of tween culture has come in handy. I’ve found myself engaging in conversations with my mom friends about their upcoming meet-and-greets at R5 concerts. I can confidently discuss Ross Lynch and his charming surfer vibe. I’ll even admit to enjoying a few of his non-TBM songs. What can I say? I can relate to the younger crowd. Don’t judge!
What I truly adore about Teen Beach Movie—and what I hope shines through in the sequel making its debut tonight on Disney Channel—is its nostalgic feel, reminiscent of a more innocent Grease. My mom took me to see that classic multiple times when I was just a kid. I was obsessed with the edited-for-TV version and played the soundtrack on repeat until I memorized every lyric, even if I didn’t fully grasp their meaning (thankfully). The creators of TBM must have had a soft spot for nostalgic hearts like mine, aiming to create a fun, family-friendly film that we could all enjoy.
Like Grease, Teen Beach Movie delivers pure, delightful cheesiness. It features clever lyrics, endearing characters, and a playful wink at the silliness of musical films. In a world where tween entertainment often leans toward sarcasm, these movies offer a refreshing escape into joy. With their nods to classic teen beach films and references to iconic musicals like West Side Story, they resonate with both my kids and me—and even my mom. Simply put, they’re just a blast.
So, tonight, you’ll find me living the dream of a 40-year-old mom: snuggled up on the couch in my pajamas, surrounded by my kids, all glued to the screen for the latest adventure that is sure to become part of our family’s summer soundtrack. Sure, there will be a bit of chaos with kids arguing over seating and popcorn, but I’m excited nonetheless. In the meantime, I’ll be belting out my favorite songs—completely off-key, of course. And trust me, once you hear them, you won’t be able to stop singing, either!
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In summary, I may be a 40-year-old mom, but my enthusiasm for Teen Beach 2 rivals that of my kids. The joy and nostalgia it brings are more than enough to make me look forward to family movie nights, even amid the chaos.