Hocus Pocus 2: Film Review
Hocus Pocus is one of my childhood favourites and rewatching it is an annual Halloween tradition. So, naturally, I was cautiously excited about getting a sequel 29 years later.
The film is set in present-day Salem and follows best friends Becca (Whitney Peak) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) as they celebrate Becca’s birthday with their annual Halloween rituals. They unknowingly light a new black flame candle and bring the Sanderson sisters – Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy) and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) – back to life.
So far so 1993. Thankfully, this doesn’t retread the same story as the original – we don’t have to watch as the sisters track down children to drink dry. Instead, they’re more interested in exacting revenge upon Salem Mayor Jefrey Traske (Tony Hale), who bears an uncanny resemblance to their childhood nemesis.
There are plenty of recognisable elements though – the hilarious fish-out-of-water moments of the sisters figuring out modern inventions, the musical numbers, the sisterly bickering and quirky broom replacements – as well as nods to the first film. Director Anne Fletcher clearly has love, respect and affection for the original. She hasn’t done anything drastically different and is very loyal to what came before.
While it isn’t the disaster I was worried it might be, I must admit I didn’t come away fully satisfied. I think the biggest reason is that it never reached the heights of the original. It was never going to, let’s be honest, but I felt it often paled in comparison and failed the recapture the spark that made the first film so incredible.
For example, I thought the sisters’ storyline was weak and ultimately pointless. I wish they drove the story forward more instead of merely reacting to everything – although I know the whole point is that they’re out of touch and easily fooled. Also, the musical numbers weren’t a patch on the iconic I Put a Spell on You sequence and I don’t think the CGI will hold up as well as the ’90s visual effects have.
I have no complaints about the central trio though. They are as hilarious as ever and slipped right back into their characters as if they never left. It brought me so much joy to see them together again and their reunion gave me that sweet hit of nostalgia. They look like they’re having the best time and were a lot of fun to watch.
I had some qualms about Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) though. He seemed a bit too different to me and was far too talkative for my liking. I know that not every aspect can stay the same but he was so amazing the first time! I also thought Hannah Waddingham was seriously wasted as a new addition to the cast. She was terrific and I wanted to see more of her.
Hocus Pocus 2 is a great time. It’s not on par with the original but it is still an instalment worth watching.
On Disney+ from Friday 30th September