Review of The Parent Trap (1998) by Daniel S — 24 Jul 2011

The Parent Trap.

"Twice the Fun, Double the Trouble.".

The Parent Trap is a 1998 family comedy remake of the classic 1961 movie starring Hayley Mills.

It follows the story of Hallie Parker and Annie James, identical twins who are unaware of each others existence until they meet at summer camp and come up with a plan that will bring their parents back to each other after an argument that resulted in a divorce 11 years ago.

Nancy Meyers direction of The Parent Trap is fine throughout which helps the movie to become a Disney modern classic. The film's cinematography by Dean Cundey very good for the majority of the time although its quality does slip a little half way through the movie but it manages to pull itself back up towards the end. All the acting performances are excellent but the actors and actresses that make a particular impact on the audience is Natasha Richardson, Dennis Quaid, Elaine Hendrix who fits into the role of bitchy vixen Meredith Blake beautfiully and Linday Lohan who plays her two debut roles as Hallie and Annie.

The scene in The Parent Trap which stands out the most is the scene in which Elizabeth and Nick are reunited in a fine American hotel. The build up to the meeting is brilliant and the comedy provided by Natasha Richardson's drunken role as Liz is hilarious to watch. Also, the music in the scene that is composed by Glenn Miller is very good and is a perfect fit for the scene.

The director's message in the movie is very clear for all to recognise in the basis of families and divorce. She also manages to successully create two characters, Hallie and Annie, that any child (including myself) can relate to in regards to being a child stuck in the messy situation that is your parents divorce.

In conclusion, The Parent Trap is a wonderful movie that all ages can enjoy and is one of Walt Disney Pictures most superior productions released in the 1990s.

Words by Daniel Sheppard.