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When I first heard there was a remake of the thoroughly enjoyable 1961 original, I wasn't so sure whether I wanted to see it. I did see it however, and I was pleasantly surprised. This film is really cute, touching and funny, with a wonderfully light tone; it isn't as good as the original but it is definitely one of the better remakes out there, and this is coming from someone who has seen her share of some truly awful ones(ie. Psycho and The Wicker Man-at least the latter had some entertainment value for the wrong reasons!).
The 1998 film does have its small problems though. If you know the plot of the film already, you may find it formulaic and predictable here, I found it very original in the 1961 film, not so much here. Like the 1961 film, the film is a little too long, and it does play loose with some of London's geography and lifestyles.
Flaws aside, what we do have is a light, funny, upbeat and touching film, elevated by a witty and snappy script, adept direction, gorgeous cinematography and scenery, a breezy soundtrack and of course some great acting. Lindsey Lohan had a lot to live up to, considering how outstanding Hayley Mills was, and thanks to some superb make up, she does a really good job in one of her better performances. Just for the record, she has done some good performances such as in this, Freaky Friday and Mean Girls, but she has also been in some mediocre to bad movies especially Get a Clue. Not only is The Parent Trap one of her better movies her dual role performance is one of her better performances too. In terms of supporting performances, Dennis Quaid is great as the father, very cute and funny and actually more at home than Brian Keith was I feel, while the late Natasha Richardson is drop dead gorgeous in this movie.
Overall, just a delightful remake of a delightful original. 7/10 Bethany Cox
