Three young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern-day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world. The world may have been free of Winifred, Mary, and Sarah and the fear they invoked in us all, but what happens when you mess with magic? It messes back.
The original Hocus Pocus (1993) is an all-time favorite for most moviegoers out there with myself being one of them. Director Kenny Ortega captured magic during that time and created something special that still holds up for a comedic drama family film. So, with the whole cast coming back with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy I was eager to see if this could be repeated.
In short, the answer is no. While there are a few redeeming qualities for this sequel, Hocus Pocus 2 is not remotely close to the feeling the original film still gives me today. It just doesn’t hold the same weight and feels like a watered-down attempt at what came before. There was something honest, genuine, and pure about the original film. It had an authenticity about it that made it a personal experience. All of that is lost in the sequel.
On a positive note, all of the characters good or bad are truly committed to their role. The amount of enthusiasm isn’t consistent across the board between each character, but at least it’s obvious they’re doing their best. Even if it’s below standards there can be some respect given to the portrayal of each role. Specifically, Mike (Froy Gutierrez), a love interest supporting character. He’s a bit extra in his performance trying to play a dumb jock, but still mildly entertaining. The rest of the characters just assist. Bouncing off of each other bumping heads, but nothing stands out that’s memorable or admirable. I wouldn’t care to be associated with any of them. Wanting to go to sacred lands burning black candles or being a sell-out to witches from centuries ago isn’t an interest of most people so there’s not much to like about them.
This film is also described as a comedy, but there is barely anything to laugh at in the slightest. I wanted to laugh, but felt I would be forcing it if I did. Seeing Winifred smack Sarah in the face at the store did make me chuckle, but other than that it was very dissatisfying. The potential was there seeing how the Sanderson Sisters needed to adjust to the modern world but it was one missed opportunity after another until the film ended.
The visual effects CGI was also questionable at times. When the sisters were flying in the air it was appalling to look at. It is a mystery what happened in that department during post, because it felt like the staff quit on the job. Showing the ground crack open or the sisters blasting energy from their fingers did work well as far as the visuals, but the flight sequences are embarrassing.
The costume design from Salvador Pérez Jr. was top-notch. If anything, a positive that transferred from the first film to the second was the costumes/wardrobe. Not just with the main characters but everyone on set. That did stand out and is a highlight of this film.
As far as the portrayal of the Sanderson sisters they of course were the best addition. It took a while for them to show up due to an unnecessary origin story that was possibly the worst portion of the film, but once they did, I started to feel the experience. They are the most committed to their role just like the original
Video Replay:
Official Trailer:
Official Teaser:
Trailer Reaction:
Official Clip 1:
Official Clip 2:
