I’ll admit it: My enthusiasm for Teen Beach 2 surpasses that of my kids.
Yes, I’m a 40-year-old woman who enjoys sushi, craft beer, the literary works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jane Austen, and Teen Beach Movie. The excitement I felt upon discovering that Teen Beach 2 was premiering tonight was, to my dismay, nothing short of… giddy.
A Late Arrival to the *Teen Beach Movie* Phenomenon
We were a bit late to the Teen Beach Movie phenomenon in our household, primarily because we don’t have a key player: a tween girl. When Teen Beach Movie first premiered in July 2013, I had three sons and a little girl who was just a toddler. While my boys acknowledged the film and may have even shown some interest, it wasn’t until last summer, when I purchased the DVD for our road trip, that we truly immersed ourselves in it.
And immerse ourselves we did. I admit I haven’t actually watched the movie in its entirety with my own eyes. However, I have listened to it—approximately 4,356 times—while driving through the majestic mountains of North Carolina last summer. By the end of our travels, my then-2-year-old insisted on being called “Mac,” and I had memorized every word of the songs, even managing to sing duets with my 10-year-old son.
Benefits of Tween Culture Familiarity
Having this deep familiarity with tween culture has been surprisingly beneficial. For example, I can now contribute to conversations with my mom friends who have tween girls, especially when they express their apprehensions about upcoming R5 concerts. I can discuss Ross Lynch and his charming surfer-boy persona with confidence. Admittedly, I even enjoy a few of his non-*TBM* tracks. Don’t judge.
The Charm of *Teen Beach Movie*
What truly captivates me about Teen Beach Movie—and what I anticipate in the sequel premiering tonight on the Disney Channel—is its reminiscent charm of a more innocent version of Grease, a classic my mom took me to see in theaters multiple times when I was just 5. I obsessively watched an edited-for-TV version of Grease throughout my childhood and spun the soundtrack on my Fisher-Price record player until I knew every lyric, even if I didn’t fully grasp their meaning (thank goodness for that). I’m certain the creators of TBM aimed straight for my “Hopelessly Devoted” heart, knowing I would cherish this type of entertainment for my kids.
And they hit the mark. Much like Grease, Teen Beach Movie is delightfully cheesy. With its clever lyrics, adorable cast, and a playful nod to the absurdities of musical films, I savor every moment. In a tween world often filled with sarcasm and precociousness, these movies provide a refreshing escape from cynicism. They strike a balance between being contemporary yet nostalgic, referencing classic teen beach films and even West Side Story, appealing to both my children and me (not to mention my mom). They’re simply enjoyable.
Living the Dream
So tonight, you’ll find me living the dream of a 40-year-old mom: cozied up in my pajamas, surrounded by my kids, eyes fixed on the screen, eager for the next chapter of what will undoubtedly become part of our family’s summer soundtrack. Sure, there will be squabbles over seating and who gets to hold the popcorn, but I’m still buzzing with excitement. Until then, I’ll be belting out these tunes off-key, because they’re my favorite. Just a heads-up: you’ll be humming them later too.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in more about home insemination topics, check out this informative resource on fertility treatment insights. For those considering at-home options, our post on artificial insemination kits is worth a read. And for comprehensive information on genetics and IVF, visit this excellent resource.
In summary, my excitement for Teen Beach 2 reveals that sometimes, as parents, we find joy in what our children love, even if it means embracing a bit of nostalgia ourselves.