The Parent Trap: A Beloved Classic I Still Watch on Repeat

via imdb

If you grew up in the '90s, chances are The Parent Trap is one of those films that holds a special place in your heart. This charming 1998 remake, starring Lindsay Lohan in a dual role as long-lost twins Annie and Hallie, perfectly captured the essence of childhood adventure, family bonds, and a sprinkle of mischief. With its relatable themes and memorable characters, it’s no wonder that this movie has become a beloved classic for millennials who fondly remember watching it on repeat.

Recently, my boyfriend and I embarked on a date night venture where we have decided to watch together each of our top 3 favorite movies. We started with his favorite, then mine, then his second favorite, and so forth. And my second favorite - The Parent Trap. Surprisingly, even though he is a millennial, he had never seen it growing up. He is a tad younger than me and grew up without sisters... but still... I feel like it is one of those movies you can name drop and generally, most people (from various generations) at least understand the reference. So I felt he was in for quite a treat.

What makes The Parent Trap stand out is its ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments. (And let me add here that I also am a fan of the original but I did not see that until later in life so we're going to focus on the remake here). The film's premise—two identical twins meeting for the first time at camp and hatching a scheme to reunite their estranged parents—resonates on so many levels. It reminds us of childhood friendships, the importance of family connections, and the desire to shout "OMG" as Dennis Quaid drives you down the road to a beautiful Napa vineyard.

Plus, who can forget the iconic scenes from the Camp Walden isolation cabin, the lizard on Meredith's Evian that crawls in her mouth, and Chessie fervently slamming the doors shut proclaiming that she doesn't know a thing.

Also I'm pretty sure Hallie's UK experience unlocked a new bucket list item for me -- who doesn't want to recreate the walk across Abbey Road!?

I don't care how many times I watch this movie, (and trust me -- I could quote the whole thing), these moments still evoke so much nostalgia and comfort for me every time. It is a true feel-good movie.

As I was watching this with my boyfriend, I started to realize how many scenes from this movie actually influenced my life and it kind of surprised me.

• When Hallie slides her sunglasses on top of her head, young me thought that was so cool (and while I realize this is a common look), I started that with my sunglasses because of this movie.

• The poker scenes? That is the whole reason I learned how to play poker, and may I say, I'm pretty good, although I prefer the Texas Hold 'Em variety to Five Card.

• The flannel shirt look - what more is there to say. This was a popular look in the '90s and flash forward 30 years and it's still one of my favorite outfits as soon as chilly weather hits.

Also, whenever I drink something disgusting, my mind immediately flashes back to this scene:

I also love to incorporate phrases like "lovely girl" and "gave me a fright" whenever I can - especially when talking to my Mom who is probably my #1 soulmate when it comes to sharing an understanding and love of very specific movie/tv show quotes from our past lol.

What I also realized while watching the movie the other night is that I really empathize with Meredith. While I don't support her gold-digging or her callous attitude towards her fiancé's daughter, she really is a villain you can feel bad for. I mean as an adult in their 30s - just imagine being engaged to some dude and not knowing he has twin daughters and a famous designer ex-wife?! And then being forced to hike through the woods to a campsite with two 11-year old girls who put creepy crawlies on you and rocks in your backpack, then push you out onto the lake after feeding you nothing but lake trout? I'm gonna have to pass on all of that lol.

*Spoilers ahead:

My boyfriend's thoughts? He said it was cute. He had been hoping the whole time that Chessy and Martin would end up together so he was very pleased with that. But during the final scene when they were reuniting in London in the study, he kept talking a lot which was basically a sin since the only reaction that scene deserves is complete and total focus... plus a full face of tears the moment Nick Parker says, "I made the mistake of not coming after you once, Lizzie. I'm not going to do that again." (I cry every time. Not even ashamed).

Seriously, the speech between Natasha Richardson & Dennis Quaid in the final scene, and even the reactions of Lindsay Lohan in both Annie & Hallie form!? TOP NOTCH.

"And I suppose you just expect me to go weak at the knees and fall into your arms and cry hysterically and say we'll just figure this whole thing out, a 5-continental relationship with our daughters being raised here and, and there and... and you and I just picking up where we left off and... and growing off together and... and... Come on Nick, what do you expect? To live happily every after?" -Liz "Yes, to all of the above. Except you don't have to cry hysterically." -Nick "Oh yes, I do." -Liz

This scene has so much emotion and romance - how could you not tear up? I don't care if it's supposed to be a fun family movie - it's lovely. Seriously, move over "Love Actually." You and your scribbled posterboard are trash compared to this scene. I mean what does a girl really want - some guy showing up at your door to show you pictures of other women and skeletons, while making you feel guilty about having a significant other, or a the father of your twin girls - and the one who got away - who flew across the Atlantic just tell tell you he'll never let you walk away again. Come on - the choice is obvious.

So, if you haven't revisited this film in a while, now’s the perfect time! Grab some popcorn, settle in, and let the delightful chaos of Annie and Hallie's world take you back to simpler days... maybe even back to yesteryear. And who knows? You might just find yourself laughing and crying all over again, proving that this 1998 gem truly is a timeless classic. So, what are you waiting for? Play that old VHS tape or stream it Disney+ and let the nostalgia wash over you!

The Parent Trap - to me, you are perfect ;)

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There is one sad item I had to comment on and that is the tragic passing of actress Natasha Richardson who stars as the beautiful mother and fashion designer, Elizabeth James. Despite the good feelings this movie brings, it is important to acknowledge how sad this loss was.

In case you are unfamiliar with this, in 2009 while skiing in Canada, Natasha fell and hit her head on the hard snow. She declined medical assistance because she initially felt fine. Unfortunately, her condition quickly worsened and by the time she had been moved to the closest trauma center, she had suffered an epidural hematoma and was brain dead.

Every time my mom and I watch this movie, we reflect on this sad loss. It's a tragedy I think about often because it could easily happen to anyone. In fact, her story is a good reminder to always seek medical treatment if you have a potential head injury, no matter how fine you feel. Despite her short life, she impacted so many people. Not only were her organs donated after her death, but I imagine that lesson has made someone else out there pause and reconsider getting checked out after a fall so who knows how many lives she's maybe saved.

RIP Natasha, and thank you for making such a wonderful film that gives joy to me and so many others; a film so nostalgic and special that it can brighten up even my darkest of days.