It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 30 years since Hocus Pocus first put a spell on us. Now, the Sanderson Sisters are back, better than ever, with some new characters to face off against in the heavily awaited Hocus Pocus 2.
Directed by Anne Fletcher, Hocus Pocus 2 focuses on the origin of witches, exploring how the Sanderson Sisters became witches in the first place and the coming of an age of new witches. Simultaneously, the film follows the Sanderson Sisters on a quest for revenge, a vendetta that predates the first film’s events. With an overarching theme of the power and importance of sisterhood and friendship, the film pays homage to the source material while simultaneously honoring more modern ideals, all while offering stunning sights and memorable moments.
The Return of the Sanderson Sisters
Admittedly, when the sequel was first announced, I was concerned. It’s difficult for sequels to capture the magic of the original. Even more complicated when it’s been almost three decades since Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy graced the silver screen as the Sanderson Sisters, but wow, did these ladies pick right up where they left off.
Their performances haven’t aged a day, as everything that made them fantastic as individuals and a unit is present in the sequel. There are several callbacks to the favorite moments of the original film, but there also exists a new plethora of quotable moments and fresh comedic takes. It has laugh-out-loud humor and enough drama and suspense to keep you entranced between laughs.
Shades of Gray
If you haven’t watched a film in the last decade, you may have missed the new trend that gives villains depth and shows that some evil exists in a large, gray, subjective area. Maleficent was the first iconic Disney villain to receive this treatment, where a look from her perspective shows that perhaps she’s not so evil.
Is it any surprise that the witches who have become beloved icons to so many would also receive this same treatment? While it may be disconcerting to some to see the previously child soul-stealing witches depicted in a relatable light, I felt it was refreshing and kept up with modern storytelling.
Diversity, Finally
In keeping with the times, Hocus Pocus 2 also brings us a diverse cast of actresses and actors. Having a cast member with an ethnicity other than white is a virtue that was heavily lacking in the first film. As one of my fellow Horror Press contributors Jenika McCrayer, explained, Black witches exist, yet amongst the faces of famous witches, the faces of Black females are lacking considerably.
Enter Whitney Peak, whose character is introduced with a crystal in her hand and plans for a birthday ritual. Peak did a phenomenal job playing the role of the protagonist Becca, as did her co-star Belissa Escobedo in her part as Izzy. Representation is of the utmost importance, and the fact that two of our leading ladies are Black and Latina, respectively, takes us a step in the right direction.
Hocus Pocus 2 Spells and Magickal Practice
In the spirit of keeping with the times, while rhyming spells and making potions out of dead men’s toes has been the typical representation of witchcraft in the past and is still present here, this film presented modern depictions of magickal practice too. Crystals, manifestations, burning candles, and smudging with herbs demonstrate true-to-life witchcraft techniques in the movie.
Here Lies William Butcherson
If I had to make one complaint, the appearance of Billy Butcherson felt more like the zombie version of Pirates of The Caribbean’s Captain Jack Sparrow. The gravel in his voice, his accent, hand gestures, and the way he walks beg the question: Are zombie legs and sea legs one and the same?
It was still entertaining to see Doug Jones reprise his infamous role, and I’d rather have Captain Jack Butcherson than no appearance at all. If familiarity with another famous Disney icon is the worst this film has to offer, it’s still pretty damn fantastic.
Setting the Stage
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this film’s incredible effects. It is refreshing to see the black flame candle spark to life in stunning resolution and the green eye of the infamous witch’s book sparkling with realism.
It is not just the rejuvenation of old effects where this film sees technical greatness. The shot of the large Hunter’s Moon glowing in the backdrop, paired with a fantastic moment where Winifred Sanderson’s eyes light up a dazzling shade of purple, creates a breathtaking atmosphere.
Hocus Pocus 2’s Glorious Moment
I particularly enjoyed one moment when Mary surprises and corners our two protagonists in a store. She delivers a sense of refined poise, cunning, and strength that was missing in the first film. While it only lasted a fleeting moment, it made Mary feel sinister in a way I had never felt before. It gave her character depth and control, and is welcome to return should the role ever be reprised again.
Even though nearly thirty years have passed, Hocus Pocus 2 managed to pick up where the first film left off. With its humor, drama, and iconic performances, all while representing modern ideals, this film honors the original while also supplying us with a new, fun Halloween film that will undoubtedly grace family TV screens every October for the next thirty years.
Watch Hocus Pocus 2, now streaming exclusively on Disney+.