Back in 1993, Disney released a movie that was atypical for their movie unit. Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, and Kathy Nijimy as Mary Sanderson, feature a coven of witches who become resurrected after 300 years and vow to take vengeance on Salem for hanging them.
It took almost 30 years for Disney to produce a sequel to this popular movie. Midler, Parker, and Nijimy return to reprise their roles as the Sanderson Sisters, witches who specialize in Black Magic.
A trio of teenagers stand between the Sanderson Sisters and unstoppable Magic. My favorite moment in the film involved Siri and the Sanderson sisters. If you’re looking for a light, silly Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus 2 fits the bill. Do you have a favorite Halloween movie? GRADE: B
My oldest has been a Pocus-phile since the original first came out. I’m not sure why. She and many of her friends have been waiting for this sequel for decades. I’m going to have to go back and rewatch the original to see what (if anything) I missed the first time out. After that, I may be up for this one.
Jerry, HOCUS POCUS, both 1 & 2, feature a lot of silliness aimed mostly at a teen-age audience. You’ll love the Siri scene!
This looks awful, but I guess it couldn’t be any worse than “Halloween Ends”.
Michael, HALLOWEEN ENDS has only taken in $40 million. From the TV commercials, HALLOWEEN ENDS looks like a dud.
I think they made it for the now-mother aged original audience to share with their kids. I didn’t see that one. I don’t enjoy being scared so Halloween movies are usually not on my menu.
Patti, HOCUS POCUS is about as scary as BAMBI.
No interest in the first or second one of these, frankly. I’m in the “looks awful” school.
Favorite Halloween movies? Well, I like the Halloween section in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS.
Jeff, nice pick! Call me a softie, but I have a certain fondness for It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966). Loved it when it was first broadcast!
I liked the first one, and hope to see the second one at some point.
I’m working on my high school’s hall of fame, and Kathy Najimi is one of the alums listed. In elementary school, I was friends with her holder sister, Ramona.
She’s a good actress, also known for sister act
Maggie, I’ve always considered Kathy Nijimi to be an underrated actress.