Hocus Pocus 2 is a delight. The key cast are back ready to chant their magic spells over the town of Salem and have some fun. The story is full of humor, music, and a new generation of witches. It’s an antidote to the condition of modern life.
Hocus Pocus 2 brings back “The Originals” who arrive in Salem thinking they want to destroy the place. I never thought I’d apply my favorite cheer, #EldersRock, to a film like this, but after 30 years the Sanderson sisters are as feisty as ever. The film was directed by Anne Fletcher.
Let’s hear it for Winifred Sanderson (Bette Midler), Sarah Sanderson (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) as they rediscover their chemistry together, fly through the air, and sing a few songs.
Also back is Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson, who spends part of the movie minus his head and denying that he was ever a Sanderson’s boyfriend.
A new crop of witches are born. Becca (Whitney Peak) is turning 16 and receives her powers as a witch on her birthday, accompanied by her friends Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham). The book of spells, which has been under lock and key in Gilbert’s (Sam Richardson) tourist trap store full of Salem witch curios, now responds to Becca.
Becca’s new powers let her send the Sanderson sisters back to wherever they’ve been for a few hundred years in the final beautiful and magical moments of the movie. Although this is a Disney movie and not from Marvel, there is good stuff to come during the credits, so stay for all of it.
It’s charming, it’s funny, it’s sweetly nostalgic, and it’s pure magic. Watch it if you can. It’s on Disney+.
Oh. Have you ever considered that your cat likes riding on the Roomba because your cat is a witch? Just a thought.