Do you like scary movies?
It’s time to “be afraid, be very afraid” as SpoilerFreeReviews is dropping 13 spooky movies for fans to enjoy this PSL season. We will be posting our most frightful Halloween favorites over the next 13 spooky nights. So come join us around the fire as we tell our 13 creepy Halloween favorites. 🎃
HOCUS POCUS 2 is a nostalgic movie for all the Sanderson sister’s fans. It is a continuation of the storyline from the 1993 Halloween cult favorite, HOCUS POCUS. I am “Switzerland,” on how I felt after viewing the film. You will probably either “love it or hate it” depending on your (Winnifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimmy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), Richter scale.
The plot for HOCUS POCUS 2 was a little on the weak side. Trying to get every “schtick” into the allotted time seemed like a stretch. I did love seeing that crazy threesome walk, but they only did it once, and it appeared slightly awkward. Giving “The Book” a bigger role and an empathetic eye was cool. I thought the young witch, Becca (Whitney Peak), was good, but her cohorts lacked energy. The writers wasted the talent of Tony Hale as the Mayor. It was as if they couldn’t decide who to feature more… the young or the old, and the story got bottled down. Better editing would have helped. Maybe they could have cut or shortened the scene on stage. I am a huge fan of musical numbers and Bette concerts, but this one just felt out of step with the times.
The scene in Walgreens was pure genius, though. “Children’s souls… aisle 4.” And the rumbas and swifter added a funny moment. Oh, Alexa, you did not disappoint, nor did defining “ what is a virgin?” HOCUS POCUS 2 is still a take-off on THE THREE STOOGES type of humor, and at times, that was hard to handle in 2022 (hitting and slapping is not acceptable). However, the Sanderson Sisters did look amazing in their costumes. Heavy make-up and insane wigs made them come alive again. I do have to mention how Winnie’s character found herself in a moral dilemma. It was a smidge preachy.
I wanted to love this sequel. I was ready to be enthralled and whisked away, but it just felt like it was missing a beat too many times. I will always watch the original HOCUS POCUS. I have fond memories of sharing this film with my children. The creativity was off the chart then. Now… not as much. It begs the question and answer that some movies are not meant to be “sequaled.” I hope Hollywood is listening or maybe I will just have to “Put a spell on you.” Sometimes “a regular Halloween” is all that is necessary.
HOCUS POCUS 2 is available to stream on DISNEY+.
