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Hocus Pocus 2: An Unhelpful Review

Writer's picture: Amanda KelnerAmanda Kelner

It’s spooky season. Time to watch spooky movies.

A cool 30 years after the original, the Hocus Pocus sequel has hit Disney+, complete with some of the original cast, including Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, and the original Billy Butcherson, Doug Jones.


Briefly, and without spoilers, Hocus Pocus 2 finds the story 29 years to the day after the original events, where the Sanderson Sister legend seems to have blossomed even more thanks to a local magic shop owner (Sam Richardson). Best friends Becca (Whitney Peak) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) make plans to continue a tried and true tradition of using All Hallows Eve to sneak into the local wood where they recite a good-luck incantation of sorts before retiring to Izzy’s house for snacks and a scary movie marathon. This year, they accidentally resurrect the Sanderson Sister, who then embark on a quest to overtake the town of Salem. Becca and Izzy work together to stop them while coming into their own as young women. Because we love a good coming of age story.


Loved


Let’s start with some of the triumphs. The movie opens on a flashback of the Sanderson Sisters as young girls, offering a glimpse into their introduction to witchcraft. The three young actresses who played the younger versions of the iconic trio were unequivocally one of the greatest highlights of the movie. Particularly Young Winnifred, played by Taylor Henderson. Let us all start throwing all of the parts at this girl. Her ability to channel Midler’s Winnifred while still providing an entertaining performance was nothing short of delightful. I must be those teeth.


Breaking out into song after spending 29 years in idk where is *chef’s kiss.*


Walgreens scene. Very humorous.


The Roombas. Loved ‘em.


There’s also a decent balance of nostalgia appealing to the older generations who grew up with the original and newer viewers looking for their own narrative to enjoy for years to come. It’s fair to say that Midler, SJP, and Najimy were dominating presences in the movie, the storyline involving the young girls very much played a larger role in the overall story. And while I may be predisposed to pay closer attention to the elements I know and love, it’s fair to say new audiences can enjoy the new storylines.


And yay diversity. That old, old wooden ship. She still sailing.


Finally, I appreciated the redemption arc for the sisters. Sure, you still have to sift through the prickly bits of mass murder, but the ultimate lesson (spoiler alert) that family and sisterhood are more important than any of those things. Not only that, but the total lack of hesitation of Winnifred giving up her ultimate power to be with her sisters again explores the less cartoonish side of the Sanderson Sisters’ relationship.


And Also the Other Bits


Was it campy and overly simplistic and dumb at times? Sure. Did Tony Hale’s character really add anything to the movie? Idk, star power? Comedic relief in an arguably comedic movie?


And is Hollywood capable of making a movie that doesn’t leave room for another installation? Hocus Pocus 2 certainly adds a point to the “No” group.


Then again, if you came into the Hocus Pocus sequel thinking you were about to see the latest Oscar contender, someone lied to you for several minutes straight.


So Anyway…


All in all, I think it’s worth adding to your annual Halloween movie marathon lineup. It’s fun, it’s entertaining, it’s a decent compromise for anyone who loves Halloween movies but not scary/slasher movies.


A solid 12 out of 18.


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