The Parent Trap is a 1998 American family comedy film directed by Nancy Meyers. The movie is a remake of the 1961 film of the same name and stars Lindsay Lohan in a dual role as identical twin sisters Hallie Parker and Annie James. The twins were separated at birth when their parents, Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid) and Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson), divorced shortly after their birth. Nick raised Hallie in Napa Valley, California, while Elizabeth raised Annie in London.
The story begins when Hallie and Annie coincidentally meet at an all-girls summer camp in Maine, Camp Walden. Initially, they engage in a series of pranks against each other, but after being sent to an isolation cabin, they discover they are twins. They devise a plan to switch places and meet the parent they have never known. Hallie goes to London to meet her mother, while Annie goes to California to meet her father. However, Annie soon learns that her father is engaged to Meredith Blake (Elaine Hendrix), a selfish and manipulative woman who only wants Nick's wealth.
Determined to reunite their parents, the twins concoct a series of schemes. They arrange for Nick and Elizabeth to meet at a hotel in San Francisco, hoping to rekindle their romance. Although Nick and Elizabeth initially decide against resuming their relationship, they agree on joint custody of the twins. The twins then orchestrate a camping trip, during which they play pranks on Meredith, leading Nick to realize her true nature and break off the engagement. Ultimately, Nick and Elizabeth realize their love for each other and decide to remarry, with Hallie and Annie as their bridesmaids.
The Parent Trap received positive reviews for its light-hearted humor and Lindsay Lohan's performance in her breakout role. The film is praised for its classic tale of family reunification and the resourcefulness of the twin sisters in achieving their goal. It holds a 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many appreciating its nostalgic charm and comedic moments