“Do you want to know the difference between us? I have class and you don’t.” That’s one of the most noteworthy quotes from the 1998 remake of the film “The Parent Trap.” This movie is one of the most memorable of my childhood and I still very much enjoy it in my older years. Airing on July 29, 1998, this romantic comedy was a summer hit, grossing $92.1 million in the box office. It’s safe to say that the movie gave what it needed to give. Directed and co-written by Nancy Meyers, along with producer and co-writer Charles Shyer, the film is a remake of the original movie that was created in 1961, based on a novel called “Lottie and Lisa.”
This classic movie sets the tone right out of the gate with a mixture of jazz and modern music that helps set the scene of old and new meshing together. With the use of “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole to open the film and “There She Goes” by The La’s for Hallie’s tour of London, this is the perfect family movie for any time of year. The film follows Annie and Hallie, both played by Lindsay Lohan with the help of innovative filming techniques, during their summer break at a sleep away camp. While you’d think the two sisters would immediately take a liking to one another, seeing as they have the same face and all, they strike up a quick rivalry after a heated game of poker that involves some very elaborate pranks for two 11-year- olds. These pranks make it clear that the girls were raised in two different worlds and are all fun and games until the camp counselors known as “the Marvas” get caught in the middle of one. The twins are quickly sent to the isolation cabin where they eventually spark a friendship and realize that their parents divorced and separated them at birth. With the knowledge that they each have access to their missing parent, the girls plan to switch places at the end of the summer so that Annie can meet her father (Dennis Quaid) in California, and Hallie, her mother (Natasha Richardson) in London. From that moment on, “The Parent Trap” is under way and there’s no going back.
I first watched this movie when I was 12 and it's safe to say that after watching it, there was nothing I wanted more than a twin sister of my own. I spent every chance I got watching this movie, and wishing that I could live in a vineyard with a couple of horses to keep me company. While I knew that was never going to happen, a girl could definitely dream, and dream I did. In my 12 year old mind, it was me on screen with my non-existent twin sister—and no, we didn't have a rivalry because I don't know how to play poker. In my version of the parent trap, my sister and I got along right away and started plotting to get our parents back together that very same day. I want to give the credit to the light heartedness of the storyline, but I can honestly say that my overactive imagination and aching need not to be the youngest really drove home my little fantasy. It also helps to highlight how simple the problems of adults are in the mind of an 11 year old, but in reality we all know that nothing is ever that easy when it comes to relationships.. So, if you ever have a break in between your studying or are bored on some random afternoon, and you’re looking for something to brighten your day, consider adding “The Parent Trap” to your watchlist on Disney Plus. I promise you won’t regret it.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.