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We just returned from seeing the remake of "Fame" and, boy, that film had just about everything but Zac Efron.

But seriously, for some reason, our generation is obsessed with movies like this. "Center Stage," "High School Musical," "Raise Your Voice," "Step Up": They all feature super-talented youngsters spinning and singing and pirouetting their way into the hearts of millions. (Need we even mention the musical-comedy TV craze that's otherwise known as "Glee," which revolves around a peppy high school choir?)

So what's the appeal of these movies and shows beyond the obvious feel-good factor?

1. The Johnny Castle Factor. Macho guys playing football is so 2000. There is something sexy about a dude who breaks out from the typical male stereotype and embraces just how hot he looks in a tight-ass pair of man-tights. (Hello, Channing Tatum!)

2. The Lunch-Room Sing-Along. We know breaking out in song in the middle of a lunchroom/library/classroom only happens in Hollywood. But secretly we wish these cheesy moments had taken place at our high school, which is why we can't stop replaying the scenes on our DVR and mentally replacing our head with Vanessa Hudgens'.

3. The Catchy Music. (Duh!) This one probably harkens back to the first time our parents made us watch "The Sound of Music" and we memorized all the words in three sittings. Really, is there anything more gratifying than cranking up your TV and belting along to a good tune? (No, no there is not.)

4. The Show Choir Regret. Why didn't we try out when our school put on "Les Mis"? Why did we think that we were too hip for jazz hands and Christmas concerts? Sigh. While we can't make up for the years we spent avoiding the theater department, we can watch these shows and reclaim the Broadway star we were so meant to be.

Agree/Disagree? Do you love these movies? Tell us why!