Common Sense Media Review
Delightful, family-friendly remake has smoking, drinking.
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The Parent Trap
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 50 parent reviews
Parents say the movie features a mix of heartwarming family themes and significant inappropriate content, particularly references to sex, alcohol, and other mature themes, which have surprised many viewers since these elements may not align with its PG rating. While some parents find the film entertaining and suitable for older children, others caution against watching it with younger kids due to its adult themes and messages about relationships and family dynamics.
- mature content
- age rating issues
- mixed reviews
- family dynamics
- entertaining for older kids
Summarized with AI
Based on 87 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a delightful family-friendly comedy that follows twins who discover each other and devise a plan to reunite their divorced parents, filled with humorous pranks and heartwarming moments. While many viewers love its lightheartedness and relatable characters, some express concerns over occasional mature themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- funny and entertaining
- family-friendly
- occasional mature themes
- heartfelt moments
- classic film
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This remake of 1961's THE PARENT TRAP stars Lindsay Lohan as both Hallie and Annie, twin girls separated at birth who meet up at summer camp and decide to switch places. Their father, Nick (Dennis Quaid), owns a vineyard, and their mother, Elizabeth (Natasha Richardson), designs wedding gowns. Meredith (Elaine Hendrix), their dad's scheming girlfriend, hopes to marry Nick for his money—so Hallie and Annie set out to get their parents back together, and, while they're at it, make life miserable for Meredith.
Is It Any Good?
This is a delightful remake of the Hayley Mills classic. In 1998's The Parent Trap, Lohan is utterly adorable and does a masterful job of creating two separate characters, each of whom spends a large part of the movie impersonating the other. But divorced parents should make sure that their children have no illusions of a reconciliation, and all caregivers should make sure that while it might be charming for the children in the movie to manipulate their parents, it isn't appropriate for real life.
Kids who enjoy this version might get a kick out of comparing it to the original film. Make sure that they notice Joanna Barnes, who plays Vicki (the fiancée) in the original, plays Vicki (the fiancée's mother) in the remake.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Parent Trap portrays divorce. Is it realistic? How do you feel about the parents' splitting up their twins and making no apparent attempt to see the child they gave up?
How does this movie compare to the 1961 film? Why are some remakes good, while others pale in comparison to the original?
What special effects are used to make actor Lindsay Lohan appear as two different characters? What technology might be used today for a similar effect?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : June 1, 2004
- Cast : Lindsay Lohan , Dennis Quaid , Natasha Richardson
- Director : Nancy Meyers
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 127 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild mischief
- Last updated : July 29, 2026
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