Hocus Pocus 2 is a fantasy/comedy, a sequel to the 1993 cult hit. The movie opens on a flashback of the Sanderson sisters as kids being banished by the local Reverend. They flee into the forbidden woods and encounter a witch(Hannah Waddingham in a great cameo) who sets the sisters on their witch-y path. Back to Halloween in present day Salem, high schoolers Becca(Whitney Peak) and Izzy(Belissa Escobedo) who are interested in magic perform Becca's birthday ritual and inadvertently bring the Sanderson sisters back.
Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker return as the Sanderson sisters in full force, they hit the ground running and effortlessly slip back into these iconic characters but with even more verve and confidence than the original. Their chemistry, overlapping dialogue, and slapstick comedy is pitch perfect and their enthusiasm and energy is infectious. Peak, Escobedo, and their semi-estranged friend played by Lilia Buckingham also have good chemistry and provide a nice grounding heart to the camp. Tony Hale gives a great supporting turn as both the Salem reverand of the past and the present day mayor. It's clear the entire cast is having a ball and that makes this already fun story even more so.
A fair amount of on-location shooting paired with relatively minimal greenscreen and soundstage stuff make for an immersive real feel. The soundtrack is effective and the dance numbers are a blast. The costuming is on point and it's wonderful to see Midler, Najimy, and Parker back in their old duds. It all works together pretty seamlessly and although their are nods and references to the original it feels fresh and fun where a lot of these requels don't. They're able to recapture the magic. This isn't as scary as the original its more campy but it doesn't loose the heart, the comedy, or the adventure. A real treat.
A perfect piece of Halloween fun paired with effective(but not pandering) nostalgia.
Currently streaming on Disney+.
See It.
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