Hocus Pocus 2 Movie Review by Josh Davis : Pop Culture Leftovers

Hocus Pocus 2 Movie Review by Josh Davis

October 11, 2022 12:48 pm |

“Hocus Pocus 2,” the sequel to the 1993 Disney film about three trick-or-treaters forced to battle three resurrected witches, is likely to be divisive among newcomers and fans of the original.

The first film was campy, fun, lightweight fare that built a loyal cult following after a tepid initial commercial and critical run.

Almost three decades later, Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker return as the Sanderson sisters, a coven who are resurrected whenever a virgin lights a special “black flame” candle during a full moon on Halloween.

Once again, the sisters must use their magical powers to try and extend their lives past the sunrise.

This time, they face off against three teenagers, led by birthday girl Becca (Whitney Peak), along with quirky sidekick Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) and popular girl Cassie (Lilia Buckingham).

The three girls grew up besties and celebrated Becca’s birthday each year with a spooky movie marathon, but Cassie has moved up the social ladder and left the others behind.

The Sanderson sisters are brought back this time when magic shop owner Gilbert (Sam Richardson) gifts Becca with a black flame candle.

After a song and dance intro, the sisters decide to attempt a spell to give them ultimate power, while Becca discovers she may some magical talent of her own to stop them.

Hannah Waddingham is a welcome addition in the opening flashback, when we briefly see the sisters’ origin, and Waddingham’s witchy matriarch gifts them a special magic book.

Also staring is Tony Hale, way over-the-top in dual roles as both the town mayor and, in flashbacks, the Sanderson sisters’ arch rival, the Reverend Traske.

Doug Jones returns as Billy Butcherson, an occasionally headless zombie who costarred in the the first movie.

The original “Hocus Pocus” embraced its warts-and-all camp with a playful wink. The sequel, written by by Jen D’Angelo and directed by Anne Fletcher, may actually be better made, but it’s just not as fun.

There are some stand out moments. It’s a pleasure to see the returning cast back in action and Midler, especially, hasn’t lost a step and seems to relish the role of big bad. The script, however, softens her a little too much to make a point about the power of sisterhood.

Peak is the best of the new cast and leads a few fist-pumping moments, even if some of the girl power here feels forced.

Ironically, newcomers — and a younger audience — may get more mileage out of “Hocus Pocus 2” than fans who grew up loving the original almost 30 years ago.

The sequel has plenty of Easter eggs and nods to the original, but there’s definitely some magic missing.

PCL RATING: Taste It

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: FRESH