20 Years Ago, Disney Made the Perfect Rom Com for Kids with ‘The Parent Trap’

The charm of the 1998 remake still dazzles today, but its surprising sophistication is much clearer on its 20th anniversary.

Growing up, there were few kids movies as sophisticated as 1998″ The Parent Trap. From the Nat King Cole jazz song that opens the film to the romantic comedy elements that were usually off limits to anyone under thirteen, Disney’s remake of its 1961 original actually respected its young audience. The Parent Trap shouldn’t just be remembered for launching Lindsey Lohan’s career when 20 years later, it’s timelessness and substance can still be appreciated by fans after they’ve grown up.

The plot of Nancy Meyer’s remake is nothing new. It wasn’t even recycled just once. Before the 1961 version, there was Erich Kästner’s 1949 novel Lottie and Lisa. Before that, there was Three Smart Girls, a 1936 drama with a similar story. Despite its constant reworking, The Parent Trap‘s holds onto the gimmick of twins switching places to rekindle a romance. The 1998 version sees Hallie and Annie agree to live with each other’s estranged parent after they find out they’re sisters at a summer camp. Disguised as each other, they devise a plan to get their parents back together. Once their father is about to get remarried to a gold digger, Hallie and Annie’s plan gets out of control. Chaos ensues, but in typical romantic comedy fashion, the true (familial) love is the conclusion.

While the story dates back to the 1930s, the style of The Parent Trap also embraces the best parts of the past. This timeless feel could be the reason why it’s much more popular than the 1961 version, despite the original being nominated for two Oscars. Even just looking at promotional pictures of the 1961 film, it’s obvious that it is very much of its time, which can become dated and less appreciated as years pass. The 1998 version has aged better because it embraces a classic style that people can enjoy in any era. It’s timeless style, sophisticated nature, and respect for its target audience are why The Parent Trap is just as fun to watch as it was in 1998.

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