Hocus Pocus 2 – A Satisfying Return (Early Review)

The mystique and cult-like following of Hocus Pocus came later in life for this reviewer as it soon became as the Disney classic quickly became a begrudging staple of every Halloween. That being said, over time, it’s become easier to understand the mass appeal that makes the film such an iconic entry to the point where it is has since been firmly placed as an annual watch (several times) during Spooky Season. So naturally, the announcement of a sequel came with a level of apprehension that far outgrew any sense of optimism for the film to be anything of value even with the core actors returning. How, or more importantly, why after 29 years would they choose this beloved movie to mine more entertainment from? There could be no way they could make a decent return for the Sanderson Sisters watchable. Could they?

But thankfully, this reviewer was wrong.

Hocus Pocus 2 wastes no time attacking head-on the very thing on everyone’s, fans or otherwise, minds when approaching this sequel- relevancy. It successfully does this by unfolding a narrative that wisely revolves around the infamous sisters and their bond with one another more than its 1990s predecessor who understandably chose the kids as the main perspective for that film. While the film is coated in familiarity and slight nostalgia, the plot succeeds in bringing forth into the present the conflict of the past as it focuses on three students, Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) who are tricked into bringing back the Sanderson Sisters in order for them to complete their plan to dominate Salem and then the world while eating a child or two along the way. Mixed into this similar plot, are small twists and turns involving several new and returning characters whose performances serve as additional enjoyment upon the already established foundation of Parker, Midler, and Najimy as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson. In the past, viewers have only been able to see the sisters as menacing witches with a single-minded focus, but this film does an admirable job of balancing the young women’s point-of-view against the similarly functioning coven of the Sanderson Sisters allowing for an additional layer or emotional depth that mostly pays off in the end.

For fans of the franchise, their devotion is rewarded through the film quickly understanding that its true power lies in allowing organically humorous moments to unfold from the Sanderson sisters as they yet again collide with a modern-world setting, often providing much of the film’s memorable moments. While some of these don’t completely land or more often, go on for a beat too long, they still are a welcome addition and something the original could’ve leaned more into. Additionally, two of the best contributions of the film came through Sam Richardson as Gilbert, the owner of the local Salem Magic Shop, and Doug Jones returning as Billy Butcherson whose main goal throughout the film is clearing his name of just being the scorned lover of Winifred. Their presence offers a nice reprieve from the main conflict and serves up some of the funniest and best lines of the entire movie. The only negative in an otherwise positive return to Salem and the ongoing plight of the Sanderson Sisters was its conclusion. Despite clocking in at 100+ minutes, the final act felt rushed but more time could’ve been given to this pivotal scene.

In the end, Hocus Pocus 2 is a worthy sequel to a well-established cult classic that won’t exactly reach the heights of its predecessor but also doesn’t have to. Through its comedic moments and agreeable narrative, this follow-up offers a fan-satisfying return for the beloved Sanderson Sisters who are given a befitting conclusion to their story that began decades ago.

still courtesy of Disney

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Critics w/o Credentials

Trying my best to get all thoughts about TV and Film out of my head and onto the interweb.