Watched: 02/25/2026
Format: Disney+
Viewing: First
Director: Nancy Meyers
I forgot I intended to watch the new Predator movie, and so when Jamie asked if I had something to watch I shrugged and mumbled, and so she pitched the 1998 version of The Parent Trap. And while I knew it would not have any Maureen O'Hara, I figured it would be interesting to see the differences between Hayley Mills2 and the version co-starring Lindsay Lohan and Lindsay Lohan.
I did not know that this movie was Lohan's first role in a film - let alone the starring role. I may not have been paying much attention to this movie in 1998, or to Lohan the past (cough) 28 years. A lot of credit to everyone who spotted her as a talent and got her the role.* She's super good in this.
The movie is full of familiar faces for this Gen-X'er. The parents are played by Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson. Lisa Ann Walter - who I didn't know til Abbott Elementary - plays Chessy, Quaid's all-purpose house manager/ chef/ human wrangler (raising questions why he didn't long ago go for Chessy). Elaine Hendrix plays the hot young woman woo'ing Quaid - and she's perfectly, hilariously diabolical. And returning from the original, Joanna Barnes plays her mother (having played the fiance role in the OG). Polly Holiday is the camp manager and Maggie Wheeler plays Holiday's daughter.
By and large, this is a very close remake of the original The Parent Trap. And, I think, if the original works, why mess with success? Just fix a few curious bits - actually have Annie be from England.
It cuts out some stuff. There's a minimizing of shenanigans at camp, and no dance with the boys. The reveal to Natasha Richardson is shortened for impact, and the Grandmother is cut. Additions include a wacky butler (a terrific Simon Kunz), a sort of farcical scene in the hotel, and a tighter ending.
But, yeah, it's basically The Parent Trap. And while the concept is kind of insane - splitting up sisters and never telling them about their sibling or parent - once you get past that, it's a good little story. I'm not sure what you would change in the structure to improve on the original - so they just don't, really. Just little tweaks here and there. Nancy Meyers is no dummy.
Honestly, a follow up could be interesting. But I think she's indicated she's ready to do less Netflix Christmas movies and after Freakier Friday maybe exit the nostalgia tour - and I can't blame her. But I'm also shocked no one has managed a Mean Girls 2: Fetch Happens! or something.
I'm gonna recommend this version to my niece, who will like it, I'm sure. This seems like her flavor of nonsense.
*no, not you Lindsay's parents. Sit down. If I know who you are, things have gone very wrong, indeed.
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