By Mr. Will Wong
Despite a less than enthusiastic reception upon its initial 1993 release, HOCUS POCUS found new life as Halloween Cult Classic in the years to follow. It makes perfect sense that HOCUS POCUS 2, which comes almost 30 years after its beloved predecessor, finds its home, streaming at home to Disney+ subscribers.
So much has changed in the world and HOCUS POCUS 2 from Director Anne Fletcher (Step Up, Hot Pursuit) explores what life would be like today for the feared Sanderson Sisters Winnie (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy) and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker). Like literally, we find them at a Walgreen’s. The sisters are back in Salem and looking to carve their place, exacting revenge after they are cast away. Here to stop them are a trio of high schoolers, Becca (Whitney Peak), Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo). Cassie, the daughter of Mayor Jefry Traske (Tony Hale) grows apart from her friends, but the resurfacing of the Sanderon Sisters gives them a reason to reconnect, and they might discover a thing or two about themselves in all of this.
Like many reboots of late, the decision instead of focusing solely on returning characters, is to introduce the Franchise to a new generation of viewers. The focus is the friendship between our younger trio, and they are determined to stop the Sanderson Sisters in their tracks. But who do you root for, when the Sanderson Sisters have have such towering, animated presences?
It’s as if time stood still the ease that Midler, Najimy and Parker have getting accclimated once again in these celebrated roles. Fletcher focuses on bringing back the energy the first film is loved for. There’s music,cackling and lots of whimsy. If anything, Midler, Parker and Najimy are having a blast! And if there’s anything to take away from it all, it’s that even villains have their own story and reason to do what they do and in that, there is a bit of heart. The Film looks dazzling with some stunning effects and CGI. We love the Costumes which remind us why we can’t keep our eyes off the Sanderson Sisters. We wish there was even more of them here!
HOCUS POCUS 2 streams September 30, 2022 on Disney+.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com