Double Feature Date: The Parent Trap
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Photo Credit: Disney / Fair Use.
Photo Credit: Disney / Fair Use.
One of my favorite things about both The Parent Trap (1961) and The Parent Trap (1998) is how confused everyone gets thinking they are seeing double. Didn't I just talk to her? Did she just change clothes? How did she get there so fast? Ultimately they shake it off, thinking they are just imagining things, when in reality two clever preteens are playing tricks on them in attempt to bring their parents together.
It's a type of comedy that goes back thousands of years, back to Greek and Roman theatre and Italian commedia dell'arte. Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that it still persists today and we still find it just as funny. A witty person in a subservient role plays tricks and uses mistaken identity to bring about a happy ending for the lovers in a comedy. Sound familiar? In ancient times, servants played tricks on their masters, but in The Parent Trap kids play tricks on their parents. But don't worry, it's all in good fun.
Photo Credit: Disney | Fair Use
Photo Credit: Disney | Fair Use
I chose The Parent Trap quite frankly because it is about twins. What is more perfect than a double feature that has double as its main theme? Not only that, but I wanted to pick a remake that was different enough from the first that it would be worth watching both, but it also had to be just as good as the first. The Parent Trap came through in all categories, plus scored points for being a hilarious childhood classic.
When you watch both back to back (or one night after the other) you will be surprised at the similarities--the same old tricks work 37 years later--but you will also appreciate the differences. Plus it will be fun to talk about afterwards.
What's for Dinner?
Since the theme of this date is "double," why not double up dinner? Try double cheeseburgers with two mini baked potatoes and two mini salad wedges. Then have Oreo's with peanut butter for dessert. Yum.
(This date idea is part seven of our series 10 Ways to Change Up Dinner and a Movie.)
Double Feature Date: The Parent Trap
Time: 2+ hours | Cost: $ | Location: At Home | Level: Easy
This dinner and a movie shake-up will have you seeing quadruple. Watch The Parent Trap (1961) and make it a double feature with The Parent Trap (1998). Afterwards, compare them with our Double Feature Game.
Materials Needed:
Printable Double-Feature Game
"Double" Dinner of Choice
The Parent Trap (1961) & The Parent Trap (1998)
Oreos & Peanut Butter
One Die
Instructions:
Download the free printables below--including the Double-Feature Game--and print. Cut out the pieces (we recommend using a portable paper cutter). Collect your materials.
Deliver the invite to your date. You could leave it out on the counter one morning, send it via snail mail, pin it to your fridge, or come up with something else creative. Try downloading our This Week's Date Night... printable and framing it or putting it on your fridge so you can look forward to your date all week long.
Enjoy dinner and have your movies ready to play. Watch them back-to-back or split the date over two nights.
Play the Double Feature Game.
Share your experience with us and get ready for more great date ideas!
Which movie do you think is better? Let us know on Twitter @makeadateofit #ParentTrapDoubleFeature
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Luckily for us, we can enjoy watching characters on the screen gamble without risking anything ourselves. That's why this dinner and a movie date feels so adventurous.