by Nick Ferro, Contributing Writer
Back in the summer of 1993, the original Hocus Pocus was released in theaters. That summer was busy for my family, as my dad’s job was moving us to Tokyo, so I didn’t get to see it in theaters. However, when the Disney Channel started playing it on TV, I remember sitting down to watch it, not really knowing what it was, but being instantly mesmerized. I was exactly the right age for Hocus Pocus to hit. For a nine-year-old it was just a little bit scary, just a little bit teenager, and had the perfect amount of humor. Over the years, we would watch it when it came on TV, but not religiously, and for years between high school and college, I had completely forgotten about it. Then sometime in the mid-2000s I found a copy on DVD, and my wife and I added it to the rotation of our annual Halloween movies. The nostalgia was definitely a factor which informed on our continued enjoyment, but there is a genuine love for the cheesy dialogue, the over-the-top performances, and all-out fun that the movie has. I laugh at it not only because it made me laugh as a kid, but because the surprisingly dark humor is genuinely funny.
When Hocus Pocus 2 was announced officially (because lets face it, we’ve been hearing those rumors for over a decade), I was a healthy amount of excited, intrigued, and terrified. These legacy sequels are incredibly hit or miss in terms of quality. At first, they were merely movies full of “memba-berries,” unable to resist the urge to call back or copy the original in a cheap attempt to get the audience on board. Some hid their tricks better than others, like The Force Awakens and Jurassic World, while others failed miserably, like Zoolander 2 and Dumb and Dumber To. But even the sequels that did well financially and with the audience’s approval, upon revisiting them, it’s become painfully obvious that these legacy sequels and “reboot-quels” would not stand the test of time like their predecessors. Even last year’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which I reviewed for the site, and gave glowing praise to, has come down in my estimation due to its overuse of references (I still like it, but it drags). Thankfully, it seems like some of Hollywood is starting to realize that if they want an audience to actually love and want to return to these universes, they need to get away from the lifeless copies with mile a minute references to the originals. This summer’s Top Gun: Maverick is a perfect example of a legacy sequel that actually shakes the tropes that are the downfall of similar movies in the category. Movies like Maverick and Scream are unfortunately the exception to the rule right now, and my hope is that more movies follow suit to balance the ever-growing list of legacy sequels. So, the big question: Where does Hocus Pocus 2 end up on that list?
Hocus Pocus 2 had a lot of factors working against it from the start. Many people, including myself, assumed that this would just be a nostalgia heavy cash grab by a media company more focused on brand recognition. And although my expectations where low, I still held out hope that it would live up to the original. I can’t help it — when there is a certain level of nostalgia involved, I just can’t help but hope that I will not be disappointed. So, when the credits rolled to a fun musical number of Sanderson sister’s “The Witches are Back,” I was able to breathe a sigh of relief because I had a really fun time! Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker reprise their roles as Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson, and they slide back in flawlessly. Especially, Najimy, who definitely, as the kids would say, “understood the assignment.” Her quirky mannerisms, humor, and line delivery were the show stealers for not only me, but my wife, who was giggling like a crazy person every time Mary spoke. Rounding out the cast were several new characters who have to stop the Sanderson sisters. Leading the film is Whitney Peak as Becca, Belissa Escobedo as Becca’s best friend Izzy, and Lilia Buckingham as their third friend Cassie. Also joining the cast are Tony Hale as the Mayor and Cassie’s dad, and Sam Richardson as Gilbert the proprietor of the local Magic Store that used to be the home of the Sanderson sisters. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the return of Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson, who I will always have a soft spot for. My introduction to him was the original movie, and he is always amazing in the countless roles he’s had throughout the years, usually under 10 pounds of makeup. His incredible physical acting style made him perfect for Billy the living Zombie, and his chemistry with Richardson, who is hilarious in his own right, gave the film the perfect B-plot.
The Story begins on Halloween, where we learn that Becca and Izzy are planning to celebrate Becca’s 16th birthday with their yearly festivities. However, they have recently fallen out with Cassie, whose new boyfriend has kept her from spending time with them. Becca is gifted a candle from Gilbert for them to use in their “birthday ritual,” but it turns out that the candle was made from the remains of the original Black Flame candle that brought the Sanderson sisters back to life in 1993. After Becca lights the candle, the three sisters are once again resurrected to wreak havoc on Salem. The shenanigans that ensue are delightful and surprisingly lack that “Disney Channel” kid humor style that this movie could have had with lesser writing. There are a few moments when they let Hale riff for a little too long, so if you aren’t a fan of his brand of humor, he may wear thin on you, but for the most part, the humor is pretty solid for both kids and adults alike.
Much to my surprise, the movie did not over saturate itself with constant references and call backs. They were measured, only doing the occasional callback that never felt out of place. Other than “Amuck, amuck, amuck,” I don’t even think they repeated any other quote, and I have to applaud the writers for showing restraint. I was particularly impressed that the story is able to set up two story arcs that weaved the movie together. The story of Becca, Izzy, and Cassie reflects the sisterly love between Winnie, Mary, and Sarah and their story came together at the end in a satisfying way. They even manage to give Midler a moment of true acting that tugged at the heartstrings. There certainly are minor flaws, but only in the sense that I would actually be willing to see more of these characters, and it feels at times that they cut scenes to move the plot along. Which in the case of a 100-minute movie, is actually not terrible. Hocus Pocus 2 is well paced, and the story beats all feel natural, with only a moment or two that perhaps overstay their welcome. My only real criticism is the choice in musical numbers. They feel tacked on out of necessity due to the inclusion of Midler’s talent, rather than making story sense, but that’s just me. I’m of the opinion that if you want to be a musical, be a musical — otherwise don’t try. Doing it halfway takes me out of the movie.
Overall, Hocus Pocus 2 is a worthy successor to the original cult classic. I personally wouldn’t rank it higher than the original, but if my kids’ reactions to it are any indication, the new generation of fans definitely will. Everyone behind the camera was clearly having fun while making the movie, and it shines through in the finished product. Oh, and if you’ve made it to the end of this review and wondered how I haven’t mentioned Hannah Waddingham yet, I didn’t forget about her. The movie sure did, though. I thought she was great, but the movie didn’t bother to use her talents past the five-minute mark. That aside, if you are a fan of the original movie, I think you will have a great time; if you aren’t a fan, but enjoy a good family Halloween movie, then I think Hocus Pocus 2 is worth checking out. It may even put a spell on you!
Score: 7/10
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