The Parent Trap II (1986)

I did not expect to enjoy this, and yet I did. <em>'The Parent Trap II'</em> somehow, despite a cavernous 25-year gap from the original, manages to create a suitably entertaining sequel. The premise to this one is arguably the more realistic of the two, though the characters themselves actually react more unrealistically - it's kinda odd, but actually works. Nikki and Mary are the child stars of this, the former is the daughter of Sharon and niece of Susan; both of whom are the leads in 1961's <em>'The Parent Trap'</em>. The aforementioned are again portrayed by Hayley Mills, somewhat surprisingly but very much welcome. She does a good job, as do Carrie Kei Heim (Nikki) and Bridgette Andersen (Mary). Tom Skerritt plays the role of Bill competently, also. It most definitely isn't a great production and isn't a patch on the first one. However, for what it is - a made-for-TV sequel - I actually rate it. I don't hold high hopes for the other two follow-ups, though perhaps they'll surprise me like this did.