'It's all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus': a Hocus Pocus II review

The sequel to this seasonal family cult classic still carries magic for new and old viewers alike.

The highly anticipated sequel to the well-known 1990s Disney fantasy comedy “Hocus Pocus” was released Sep. 30. The original “Hocus Pocus” film is a story about three witch sisters, the Sanderson Sisters, who were executed for their crimes in the city of Salem in 1693. Three hundred years later, the sisters return to wreak havoc amongst the citizens of Salem. 

The Sanderson Sisters prepare to wreak havoc — Photo courtesy of Trusted Reviews

Upon its release in 1993, the film became a family favorite and an annual tradition for many. Nearly 30 years later, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimi reprise their roles as the iconic Sanderson Sisters, Winifred, Mary, and Sarah in Disney’s new “Hocus Pocus 2.”

This movie is a sweet treat for fans of the original movie. “Hocus Pocus 2” caters to both the new and older generations through its one-liners and hidden easter eggs that pay tribute to the beloved 90s film. 

New additions also include diversity, gentle updating of the times, and the minimizing of violence — though still featuring scenes with Billy Butcherson, the friendly zombie “ex-lover” of Winifred. Furthermore, a never-before-mentioned origin story, for fanatic followers of these sisters, is a spooky basket filled with one’s favorite Halloween goodies.

Mixed reviews and feelings could be heard and read all throughout social media, and from a few of Bethel’s very own students.

“My expectations for this movie were kind of low,” stated senior Isabela Diaz from Oklahoma City, Okla. “The reviews on social media were harsh, but I was still keeping an open mind. Even though it can be hard to live up to the original, the new movie was still really great.”

Going into this movie, my expectations weren’t very high — it’s a rare occurrence to have sequels outshine the original. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Hocus Pocus 2” reached 63% on the Tomatometer from 139 reviews and 52% on the audience score from over 2,500 ratings. But some fans took to social media platforms, such as Twitter, praising the film for doing an amazing job in making them feel like kids again.

Senior Katey Wilhelm from Meade also gave her input on social media reviews and her expectations.

“I saw it being shown on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok,” Wilhelm said. I was really excited, but it didn’t necessarily live up to how much it was being broadcasted.”

Upon watching the new Disney film, I was instantly filled with a sense of nostalgia and memories from my childhood regarding my first time watching “Hocus Pocus.” The small references made paying tribute to the original felt like I was unwrapping my favorite piece of chocolate candy — sweet and fulfilling.

I especially commend the young actresses that were cast to fill in the witch shoes of the young Sanderson sisters: Taylor Henderson as Winifred, Juju Journey Brener playing Sarah, and Nina Kitchen portraying Mary. These three did a phenomenal job of representing their respective roles perfectly through body language, movement, and even facial expressions.

Although the new “Hocus Pocus” film doesn’t quite hold a “black flame” candle to the original movie, it certainly does a great job at helping fanatics reminisce about their childhood through references, old characters, and a new musical number that will get audiences singing along with the Sanderson sisters.