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Laramie Movie Scope:
The Parent Trap

A remake that's better than the original

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by Robert Roten, Film Critic
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August 2, 1998 -- "The Parent Trap" is a movie loaded with charm, good performances, romance and humor. I liked the original film that came out in 1961, starring Hayley Mills, but this one is even better.

I know, it doesn't seem necessary to remake "The Parent Trap" and sequels are almost never as good as the original film, but this is an exceptional movie. Lindsay Lohan shines in the dual role of twin sisters Hallie Parker and Annie James, separated at birth, they find each other at summer camp.

Since one twin has never seen her father and the other has never seen her mother, they decide to trade places to see what they've been missing, hoping that when their secret is discovered, their parents might get back together. Their father, Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid of "Dragonheart") is a millionaire California vintner and their mother, Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson, who appeared in "Nell") is a world-renowned dress designer. Both girls enjoy luxurious and loving surroundings.

When the twins discover they like the parents they've never met and that their father is about to be married to a ruthless gold digger Meredith Blake (Elaine Hendrix), the two girls decide to spring their trap to try to reunite their parents. The lead actors do a great job, as do supporting actors Lisa Ann Walter as the nanny and Simon Kunz Martin as the butler. Joanna Barnes, who played Vicki Robinson, the gold-digging fiancé in the original film, has a cameo appearance as Meredith Blake's mother in this movie.

Director Nancy Meyers ("Father of the Bride") does a great job of balancing the comedy and romance of the film. The characters are well-drawn, smart and believable. Hendrix ("Romy and Michele's High School Reunion") is very good as the scheming Meredith Blake, and Quaid and Richardson make a good couple. The "Parent Trap," and "Ever After" are two of the best family movies I have seen in some time, but "Parent Trap," should appeal to kids even more. It rates a B+.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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Copyright © 1998 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.
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Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at my last name at lariat dot org. [Mailer button: image of letter and envelope]