When I heard that Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy had signed up for level of skepticism. How can they make a sequel of the hit film almost 30 years after the premiere of the Disney hit? But my reservations were unfounded as Hocus Pocus 2 is everything you want it to be, a perfect release just in time for Halloween.
Hocus Pocus 2 focuses heavily on the backstory of the three sisters and their life in Salem before Reverend Traske condemned them. The three sisters develop a strong bond through their fascination with witchcraft, causing them to become outcasts of the community of Salem.
Fast-forward to 2022, and the three witches are summoned when Becca (Whitney Peak) lights the Black Flame Candle for her 16th birthday. But things aren’t as they seem. This time Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) are seeking revenge on the family of the person who condemned the sisters back in 1653.
Directed by Anne Fletcher, Hocus Pocus 2 has the many charms of the original. There is a stand-out song sung by Bette and accompanied by Kathy and Sarah Jessica. The settings are creepy and spooky, and the humor of transporting the three sisters from the 17th century to try and adjust to the life of the 21st century. It is all a bit of fun for the whole family.
There have been mixed reviews of the reboot of this much-loved film. But this sequel does stand up to the original. It is different from the first movie, the story of the Sanderson sisters is explained, and the close bond they all have for one another is outlined and understood, as it is an underlying theme.
Written by Jen D’Angelo, Hocus Pocus 2 focuses on the sisters’ bond. The film also embraces the idea that fundamentally evil people can redeem themselves in the end when it comes to friendship and love.
Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson is absolutely perfect. She was outstanding in the original and is equally good in this sequel, shot almost 29 years later.
Kathy Nijimy as Mary Sanderson is another brilliant performance reviving the middle sister, who is, in her own right, just a little bit out there. Kathy captivated audiences in the original film and has done it again in Hocus Pocus 2.
Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson is another outstanding role knocked out of the park. Sarah Jessica as Sarah is a little bit flirty and a little bit cheeky and fun, and it works perfectly with the other two unique performances.
All three sisters on screen together at the same time are absolute perfection.
Hocus Pocus 2 has received mixed reviews, but what I enjoyed about this production, as with the original, is the story’s fun. The comedy of the performances and three stars enjoying themselves on the screen.
There is something so exciting about seeing a well-loved film revived almost 30 years later.
Hocus Pocus 2 is available on Disney +
