If you grew up adoring Hayley Mills in the original 1961 Disney classic “The Parent Trap,” you might be surprised to learn there’s a sequel tucked between that beloved film and the later 1998 remake starring Lindsay Lohan. While many people remember the charming hijinks of the Lohan version—and, indeed, it’s a fantastic take on the story—there’s something special about discovering “Parent Trap II,” a lesser-known follow-up that hit TV screens in 1986.
Set in the 1980s, “Parent Trap II” brings Hayley Mills back in her dual roles as twins Susan and Sharon, now all grown up. This time, much of the focus shifts to Sharon’s teenage daughter Nikki (Carrie Kei Heim) and her friend Mary (Bridgette Andersen), who craft a plan to bring Sharon and Mary’s widowed father together. Even though it has a distinctly ’80s flavor—complete with big hair and pastel outfits—the movie preserves the mischievous spirit of the original and delivers the same warmhearted family fun that made “The Parent Trap” so memorable.
Watching “Parent Trap II” feels like stumbling upon a forgotten family photo album. It still carries the essence of the 1961 classic, but it’s tinged with the playful, neon glow of its era. Of course, it doesn’t get nearly the same attention as the Hayley Mills original or the Lindsay Lohan remake, but that’s part of its charm: it’s a hidden gem that adds another layer to the “Parent Trap” universe.
If you ever find yourself craving a cozy throwback or simply wondering what happened to Susan and Sharon after their iconic summer camp switcheroo, give “Parent Trap II” a chance. It’s a sweet reminder that the Evers-McKendrick twins can keep bringing us together—even if we only just discovered their second chapter all these years later.
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