The Parent Trap
The Parent Trap
Identical twins Annie and Hallie, separated at birth and each raised by one of their biological parents, discover each other for the first time at summer camp and make a plan to bring their wayward parents back together.
Manuel Frangis reviewedMarch 25, 2025
I just watched The Parent Trap from 1998 and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. This movie is an absolute classic. It is fun, sweet, funny, and just so easy to rewatch. No matter how many times I have seen it, it still holds up as one of the best family movies ever made.
Lindsay Lohan is amazing in this movie. She plays both twins, Annie and Hallie, and she completely nails it. You actually forget it is the same actress because she gives each twin their own personality and style. One is from London and super proper, the other is from California and more laid back. Their chemistry is so good that it feels like you are watching two real people. This was Lohan’s first major role and she crushed it.
The story is simple but perfect. Two girls meet at summer camp and find out they are actually long lost twins who were separated when their parents divorced. Instead of freaking out, they come up with a plan to switch places and try to reunite their parents. It is the kind of idea only kids would come up with, and that is what makes it so much fun.
Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson are great as the parents. You can feel the history between their characters, and they both have this warmth that makes you care about them right away. Their scenes with the girls are emotional and funny, and they bring just enough drama to keep the story grounded.
The setting is also awesome. You get summer camp, Napa Valley, and fancy London all in one movie. It gives the story a cool mix of locations and makes the switch between the twins even more fun to watch. The outfits, the houses, the accents—everything adds to the charm.
The humor is spot on. There are so many great one liners, prank scenes, and little moments that make you laugh out loud. The dynamic between the girls and their new family members is hilarious, especially when they are trying to sabotage their dad’s new girlfriend. The jokes are clean, clever, and perfect for all ages.
The pacing is great. The movie is over two hours long, but it never drags. Every scene matters and there is always something fun or emotional going on. It keeps a nice balance between comedy and heartfelt moments, and that is what makes it so rewatchable.
The reason I give it 5 out of 5 stars is because it does everything right. It is not just a fun kids movie. It is well written, well acted, and has a story that anyone can enjoy. The characters feel real, the emotions hit, and it leaves you smiling every time.
The soundtrack is another bonus. There are some great songs that perfectly match the vibe of the movie. Whether it is upbeat music during a montage or a sweet track during a family moment, it all adds to the experience.
Overall The Parent Trap is a perfect feel good movie that still holds up years later. Lindsay Lohan gives one of the best child performances ever and the story is full of heart. I love this movie and I will keep watching it for years to come. It is one of those movies that never gets old.