That something is Hocus Pocus 2, the sequel to Disney's 1993 supernatural cult classic. A lot has changed since the witchly Sanderson sisters - Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy) and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) - haunted the cineplexes. They now take to Disney Plus to run amuck, amuck, amuck ...
Moving on ...
It's Halloween in Salem. Becca (Whitney Peak) celebrates her birthday with her BFFs, Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo). It usually involves a bunch of, well, Hocus Pocus. But since Cassie now has a boyfriend, a doofus named Mike (Froy Gutierez), Becca and Izzy will have to do it alone. They get a special candle from Gilbert (Sam Richardson), their local magic shop guy. It's a Black Flame Candle, like the one that brought back the Sandersons last time, and sure enough, this one does too.
The Sandersons set out to steal the lifeforces of Salem's kids. They also plot to take revenge-by-proxy on Mayor Traske (Tony Hale), Cassie's dad and a descendent of the Reverend who drove them out of Salem. That involves casting a spell so dangerous that not even their living spellbook will let them read it. Becca and Izzy have to save Salem and reconcile with Cassie tonight. It's a bit easier since Becca is coming into her own witchly powers.
The stars are much older, but they haven't lost their charms. Midler, Najimy and Parker are having as much fun now as they did then as the laughably wicked coven. Their rediscovering the modern world (including a Sandersons costume contest) provides much hilarity. They're legitimately terrifying when they need to be, though. They also get some surprisingly endearing sisterly bonding time. Anyone who didn't grow up with the first movie will get their appeal in no time.
The film's prologue helps out a lot. Taylor Paige Henderson as young Winnie perfectly nails her older counterpart as she storms through Salem after rejecting an arranged marriage. One that even the Reverend (also Hale) and the arranged match are legitimately grateful that she did. It turns sufficiently dramatic when she and her sisters run off into the woods and meet their "Mother Witch" (Hannah Waddingham), who makes the most of her one scene. It's a strong distillation for what we're in for.
The film's actual protagonists are quite likable. Becca and her BFFs are put through a compelling arc as they reconnect. You'll be on edge as they try to outmaneuver the Sandersons. You'll cheer for them when they share in Becca's magic. Their final scene together is so nice when they walk a familiar walk. Gutierez, Hale and Richardson are delightfully goofy supporting players. Richardson shares his best scenes with returning zombie Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones).
I saw the first film back when it was new in theaters. Its opening aerial shot is such a vivid memory. That experience is perfectly replicated by Elliot Davis's similar opening shot. His cinematography gives the film's spooky locales their edge. The Sandersons' magical powers are both practical and CGI wonders. Mary's magical roombas make for the film's funniest surprise. Gilbert's flashback to the Sandersons' first defeat seamlessly blends new footage with the first film. John Debney's score is just as grand as his work on the first film. The Sandersons even get two musical numbers that'll make you yearn for a Broadway musical (like one that just got announced).
This is a good way to start the Halloween season. I haven't thought of Hocus Pocus that much in my adult life. But its sequel suddenly stirred some nostalgia for that movie. I'll bet Hocus Pocus 2 will work that spell on you whether you watched its originator yearly or not. Press play and find out.
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