I’ll admit it: I’m more pumped about ‘Teen Beach 2’ than my kids are!
Yes, you read that right! I’m a 40-year-old woman who enjoys sushi, craft beer, the masterpieces of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jane Austen, and of course, Teen Beach Movie. When I discovered that Teen Beach 2 was premiering tonight, I was oddly excited—almost giddy, really.
Joining the Fan Club Late
We joined the Teen Beach Movie fan club a bit late, primarily because we’re missing a key element: a tween daughter. When the original movie hit screens in July 2013, I was busy wrangling three sons and a toddler daughter. My boys noticed the film; they might have even watched it with some curiosity. However, it wasn’t until last summer, when I snagged the DVD for our road trip, that we truly dove in.
And boy, did we dive deep. Admittedly, I’ve never actually watched the entire movie from start to finish, but I’ve listened to it about 4,356 times while driving through the picturesque mountains of North Carolina last summer. By the end of our trip, my then-2-year-old daughter insisted on being called “Mac,” and I could sing along to every song with my 10-year-old son.
Understanding Tween Culture
Having this knowledge of tween culture has been surprisingly helpful. I can now join in when my friends who have tween daughters lament about the latest R5 concerts they’re attending. I can discuss Ross Lynch with conviction and even enjoy a few of his non-TBM tracks. What can I say? I like to keep it cool with the kids!
Nostalgia and Joy
What truly captivates me about Teen Beach Movie—and what I hope to adore in the sequel airing tonight—is its nostalgic essence reminiscent of the innocent charm of Grease. My mom took me to see Grease in theaters about nine times when I was five. I grew up obsessing over the edited-for-TV version on our fancy VHS player and played the vinyl soundtrack on my Fisher-Price record player until I knew every word—even if I didn’t quite grasp their meaning (thank goodness for that). The creators of TBM cleverly tapped into my “Hopelessly Devoted” heart when they designed this movie, knowing I would appreciate this joyful entertainment for my kids.
And they hit the nail on the head. Like Grease, Teen Beach Movie is pure cheesy delight. It features clever lyrics, adorable kids, and a playful nod to the silliness of movie musicals, and I savor each moment. In a world where tween culture often leans towards sarcasm and precociousness, these films are a refreshing escape from jadedness. They strike a balance between modernity and nostalgia, with playful references to classic teen beach movies and even West Side Story, making them enjoyable for both my kids and me (and even my mom!). They’re just plain fun.
Living the Dream
So tonight, you can find me living the dream of a 40-year-old mom: cozied up on the couch in my pajamas, surrounded by my children, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of what will undoubtedly become part of our family’s summer soundtrack. Sure, there will be some squabbling over seating arrangements and popcorn, but I’m still excited! Until then, I’ll be belting out my favorite tunes, probably off-key. Just a heads up: you might find yourself singing along too.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, I’m thrilled for Teen Beach 2, even if my kids aren’t as enthusiastic. It’s a delightful escape into a world of innocence, nostalgia, and fun that families can enjoy together.