The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap

movie

PG, 1998, Comedy, Family

WISE
78%

WISE Score

87

Avg. Tomatometer

Lindsay Lohan times two schemes to reunite her divorced parents in this charming, surprisingly watchable '90s classic.

IMDb6.7
RT Critics87%
MC63
TMDB7.2
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare remakes that actually works and has aged surprisingly well. Yes, it's from 1998, so there are some landlines and no smartphones, but the core story—kids wanting their parents back together—is timeless.

Lindsay Lohan's dual performance is genuinely impressive and keeps kids engaged, and the movie doesn't talk down to its audience. It treats divorce as a real thing with real consequences, not just a plot device. The twins aren't perfect angels—they scheme, they prank, they manipulate—but their motivation (wanting a complete family) is relatable and sympathetic.

The 'evil fiancée' character is a bit much, but honestly, kids eat that up. And the movie balances it with genuinely sweet moments between parents and children. At over two hours, it's a commitment, but most kids 8+ will stay engaged.

Bottom line: It's a solid family movie night choice that won't make you want to check your phone every five minutes. The divorce theme makes it more appropriate for families who can handle that conversation, but it's handled with enough lightness that it's not a therapy session disguised as a movie.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-14. Younger kids can follow the plot and enjoy the twin hijinks, while tweens will appreciate the more complex family dynamics and romantic subplot. Teens might find it nostalgic or too young, but it's a solid middle-grade crowd-pleaser.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Models strong family values, sibling cooperation, and creative problem-solving. The twins work together to reunite their parents through kindness and teamwork. Some mild pranks and scheming, but all in service of a loving goal. Divorce is handled sensitively. Pacing is steady and age-appropriate, never chaotic.

Imaginative
72

The twin-swap premise is classic and creative, encouraging kids to think about identity, empathy (walking in someone else's shoes literally), and clever planning. However, it's an adaptation of a 1961 film, so the core concept isn't original. The execution invites kids to imagine elaborate schemes and 'what if' scenarios about their own families.

Safe
82

Very family-friendly with minimal concerning content. Some mild slapstick pranks at camp (lizard in bed, honey on head), brief discussion of divorce (handled maturely), and a scene where the father's fiancée is portrayed as somewhat mean-spirited. No violence, gore, or inappropriate content. The divorce theme and parental separation might be emotionally heavy for very young or sensitive kids, but it's handled with care.

Enriching
75

Explores themes of family, identity, perseverance, and the complexities of divorce and blended families. Kids learn about empathy through the twins' perspective-swapping, problem-solving through their elaborate plan, and resilience in difficult family situations. Entertaining throughout with humor and heart. TMDB rating of 7.2/10 suggests strong audience engagement. However, it's primarily entertainment rather than deeply educational.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Teaches empathy and perspective-taking as twins literally live each other's lives
  • Models creative problem-solving and sibling teamwork (even when you just met your sibling)
  • Handles divorce thoughtfully without being preachy—shows kids can have feelings about their parents' choices
  • Actually still entertaining for modern kids despite being from 1998—the humor and heart hold up
  • Strong female leads who are smart, resourceful, and drive the entire plot
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What to Watch For

  • Divorce is the central plot driver—could be emotionally heavy for kids dealing with separation or sensitive to family conflict
  • Some camp pranks involve mild meanness (lizards, honey, pushing into lakes)—good opportunity to discuss boundaries
  • The 'evil stepmom-to-be' trope is pretty stereotypical, though she's more cartoonishly selfish than truly villainous
  • At 128 minutes, it's long—might need a snack break for younger viewers

Conversation Starters

  • "If you could switch places with someone for a week, who would it be and why?"
  • "How do you think the twins felt meeting each other for the first time? Would you want a twin?"
  • "Was it okay for the girls to trick their parents? When is it okay to keep a secret and when isn't it?"
  • "How do you think divorce affects kids? What would you want adults to know?"
  • "The girls did some pretty mean pranks at camp. Where's the line between funny and hurtful?"
Stills
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