Vidstuffs Most Helpful Reviews

Two plus two equals four and Disney plus families equals great entertainment. From theme parks to resorts to cruises and more, parents can be assured their children are only exposed to quality content and entertainment. Films like THE SHAGGY DOG, FREAKY FRIDAY, and HOMEWARD BOUND all come to mind — and that’s not even touching upon the animated features. The latest in the long line of family-friendly titles is THE PARENT TRAP.

Both versions of THE PARENT TRAP (the original and the re-make) were based on the novel “Lottie and Lisa” by Erik Kastner. Though a number of facets were changed, the essential plot remains the same. The book was actually the basis for many genre movies. The differences between the book and the film are minor, with the film focusing more on the children trying to get the parents back together.

Hayley Mills was cast in the lead role in Disney’s 1961 version, with Maureen O’Hara and Brian Keith playing the parents. The separated twins coincidentally meet at summer camp and quickly discover the truth about one another. They were twins whose parents divorced at birth and each took one of the twins and never told the girls about the other. The rest of the film follows the girls as they switch places to meet the parent they did not know they had. The girls soon learn that their father is about to marry his gold-digging girlfriend — a plan they must stop. After a madcap race, and an ill-fated camping trip, it all comes together.

The latest version of THE PARENT TRAP is remarkably faithful to the 1961 version. The new version, however, places the mother in London, rather than Boston. Also, in this version she is unaware of the twins’ plans to sabotage their father’s wedding plans. The girls contrive to bring their parents back together by getting them both to the same hotel. Their mother has no idea their father is about to re-marry. They must race against time to get them back together before he say “I do” to the wrong woman.

The girls plot to switch places during their annual camping trip — a secret that doesn’t sit well with their mother. When she backs out of the trip, the twins set about to make their father’s fiance miserable. As in the original version, the girls sabotage their father’s fiance in the wild. Sugar-water mosquito repellent anyone? How about a trip down the river whilst snoozing? Either version of THE PARENT TRAP is sure to please. They will make a hilarious addition to any home Disney movie list. Just try to remember which one is which!