Despite its current status as a classic Halloween film, the initial reception of Kenny Ortega’s Hocus Pocus was quite different at its release in 1993. Even though it’s a Halloween film, this Disney flick was released in July, not October as one might assume. This might be part of the reason why it was met with disappointing box office numbers and harsh critics’ reviews. However, in the years since, Hocus Pocus has accumulated a rather large fan base, earning its cult status as a must-see Halloween film.
Hocus Pocus is set in Salem, where new-kid-in-town Max struggles to fit in. As Halloween approaches, the city tells the tale of the Sanderson sisters, three witches who were executed in Salem 300 years ago. Max, a sceptic, accidentally brings the witchy sisters back to life, causing him, his little sister and his crush to have to fight them off to protect Salem.
Now, nearly 30 years later, the Sanderson sisters are back in Hocus Pocus 2 (directed by Anne Fletcher), with the original cast appearing as the three witches with Bette Midler as Winifred, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah and Kathy Najimy as Mary.
In this sequel, teenage girls Becca (Whitney Peak) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) accidentally bring the Sanderson sisters back to life. The witches seek revenge on the descendent of their childhood enemy, who just so happens to be Salem’s mayor. It becomes up to the teenagers to save him and the city from the witches and their evil magic.
Several aspects separate the two films. In Hocus Pocus 2 Becca and Izzy bring the Sanderson sisters back because someone tricks them to – not because of their own doubt, like in Max’s case. We also get a look into the Sanderson witches’ backstory, as this film focuses more on their relationship as sisters.
Naturally, there are also differences due to the films’ releases being nearly 30 years apart. Throughout the sequel, the witches navigate the contemporary world, creating funny situations from the change in time.
Like the original, the sequel has several musical numbers, which adds a fun, dynamic element to the film. Modern aspects also work in the sequel’s favour, with a more diverse cast and the inclusion of a couple of relatable references, as well as the appearance of several famous drag queens.
The film is in no way groundbreaking, but Hocus Pocus 2 is worth a watch if you’re a fan of the first film, and you’re looking for a new addition to your Halloween film library. It’s hardly Oscar material, and certain changes would have improved the film overall (like more original, well-written jokes). However, it’s still a solid choice if you’re after a nostalgic yet modern twist of a Halloween classic.
Edited by Lucy Wilcox