For the past several decades, Disney’s family feature Hocus Pocus has stood out as a Halloween classic. Regardless of the television or movie releases scheduled for October, fans continue to watch this emblematic film as something of a tradition. Nearly 30 years after its release, Disney has finally managed to deliver a sequel, Hocus Pocus 2.
For those who don’t remember the plot of Hocus Pocus, the film tells the story of three peculiar witches who were executed in 1693 and come back to life 300 years later to wreak all sorts of havoc in Salem, Massachusetts. Director Kenny Ortega and his team of producers hit the nail on the head when they combined the spooky, the funny, and the silly into one family movie.
Now, almost three decades later, Hocus Pocus 2 revisits that beloved and magical legacy. Once again, the Sanderson sisters spend All Hallows’ Eve causing all sorts of trouble in the modern world.
The second installment of the legendary film is scripted by Jen D’Angelo and directed by Anne Fletcher, responsible for popular films such as Step Up, 27 Dresses, Hot Pursuit, and The Proposal. Original stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprise their roles as Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson, respectively. Also returning is Doug Jones in his signature role as Billy Butcherson. Hocus Pocus 2 arrives just in time for the spookiest season of the year.
What is the plot of Hocus Pocus 2?
Salem’s witches are at it again almost 30 years later. Once again, the black candles are lit and the witches come back to life. This time, the sorceresses have somewhat lost their appetite for the souls of children. Now, their purpose is to become masters of the Magicae Maxima, the most powerful spell that has ever existed.
Jen D’Angelo’s script goes back in time to explore the origin stories of the Sanderson witches. A prologue set in 1653 reveals the reasons why Winifred, Sarah, and Mary were banished from their community and how they developed their powers. Through this timely vignette, the viewer learns that the people of Salem called them “wicked” and “witches” for simply thinking differently.
Meanwhile, in modern-day Salem, the film features a trio of young girls going through a delicate rift in their friendship. This time around, the heroines of the story are Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), three high school students who used to be buddies and shared a deep interest in magic. In Hocus Pocus 2, this trio of teens must put aside their differences to prevent the Sanderson Sisters’ grim plan from coming to fruition.
The reintroduction of the witches is quite captivating, almost as if Disney had lifted them straight out of the 1993 classic. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to guess that acclaimed performers Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are as good as ever. It’s good to see them back as the iconic Salem coven.
Is the sequel worth watching?
The new Disney Plus film pays homage to the original and has all the elements of an enjoyable family sequel. Hocus Pocus 2 is not without its flaws, but at times, it has the uncanny ability to transport the nostalgic viewer back to the good old days of their childhood.
The sequel makes use of the plot and gimmicks of the original. Essentially, it’s the same movie: Becca, a young virgin lights the Black Flame Candle on All Hallow’s Eve and brings the Sanderson sisters back from the dead. As expected, Winifred, Mary and Sarah return to Salem with the intention of wreaking havoc and exacting revenge on their enemies. While the film retains the spells and flying broomsticks, the musical numbers, the colorful costumes, and the formidable performances by Midler, Parker and Najimy; the sparkling, frightening spirit of the original feature has dissipated a bit along the way.
At times, the story feels somewhat loose and lacking in surprise elements. Although the effort and commitment of all involved is apparent, the extravagant and darker tone of the original installment is missing.
In the midst of Halloween 2022, everything related to the “spooky” component seems more contained. The teenage pranks are more harmless and predictable. The Salem witches, too, are presented as less terrifying. In the past, Winifred, Sarah, and Mary were often rapacious, conceited, and devoid of humanity. In this sequel, everything has been toned down. The sorceresses tread lightly and with virtually no cruelty. Possibly, Disney wishes to better serve a more sensitive audience. However, this decision does affect the characteristic tone of Hocus Pocus.
As for the cast, the original crew is as good in this installment as it was almost 30 years ago. The youthful additions deliver energetic and charismatic performances. The signing of actors Hannah Waddingham, Tony Hale and Sam Richardson is tremendously favorable.
To be fair, Hocus Pocus 2 celebrates memorable scenes from the first movie. Despite its slips, it is an easy production to watch and the experience can be especially entertaining for a family with young children. In addition, the feature adds a nice message about female empowerment, friendship and sisterhood.
Some curiosities
Hocus Pocus was not an instant hit. In fact, the original film was a critical and commercial failure when it premiered in 1993.
What changed? Hocus Pocus needed time and tireless television reruns to achieve its positioning. In this regard, the feature film benefited from the repeat broadcasts that Disney Channel and Freeform (formerly ABC Family) programmed year after year on Halloween. Both cable and home video were instrumental in forging the legend of the Sanderson Sisters.
Without a doubt, the film directed by Kenny Ortega has undergone an unprecedented transformation. Just as people associate It’s a Wonderful Life with Thanksgiving, nostalgic millennials associate Hocus Pocus with the Halloween season.
The feature film, today, is a cultural phenomenon, a widely appreciated piece at the arrival of October. The Salem coven manages to keep its own pedestal in time.
Nostalgia
It’s no secret to anyone that the biggest factor driving the Hocus Pocus revival is nostalgia. Those who grew up watching this story have not only cultivated an enormous affection for it, but have also shared the film with new generations. It is noteworthy that, in the scene of the final credits, the possibility of a future project in the Sanderson Sisters universe is hinted at.
In Winifred Sanderson’s own words: “Lock up your children, Salem. Because the witches are back…” and it looks like they may be back for good.