Hocus Pocus 2: The Magic Returns
Photo by Paige Graff '24
29 years after the premiere of “Hocus Pocus,” Disney finally released the long-anticipated sequel, “Hocus Pocus 2.” Since its first release date in 1993, which charmed thousands, people have been itching for the release of a sequel.
“Hocus Pocus 2” begins as a prequel to the original film. In the opening scene, viewers get an eye into the early lives of the famous witches: Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson, as well as what eventually led them to become witches. Following the opening, viewers are introduced to new characters, Izzy and Becca, who are ultimately responsible for bringing the Sanderson sisters back. With the help of their friends, they need to stop the sisters before they wreak more havoc on the town of Salem.
Throughout the first scene and those that follow, there are multiple calls to the original movie, which feeds into a certain nostalgia for viewers. Along with that, several of the original cast members, including the three sisters (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) and Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones), make another appearance in this film. Though this was a modernized version of the original, it still stayed true to the classic through the calls to the original as well as the return of some of the most beloved members.
Several students responded with positive feedback to the film, explaining how nostalgic it felt and their appreciation for staying true to its roots.
“For me, ‘Hocus Pocus’ is such a classic Halloween movie and having something new to look forward to that follows the same main characters as the first movie was a really nostalgic experience that definitely got me in the mood for Halloween,” said Megan Iovino ‘23. “I enjoyed that this was a more modern take that stayed true to the magic of the original plot and I think that the story was really fun and spooky. The ending was really powerful and showed the importance of standing by the people that we love and I think this is a great message for people of all ages to enjoy.”
Similarly, Madison Summit ‘24 said, “There was so much nostalgia for me with the comeback of previous little iconic scenes and characters. There’s so much inclusion and revisions from the ‘90s to the present. The Sanderson sisters are making this big-time jump with current technologies which is where it gets really funny since they’re originally from the 1800s.”
Regardless of whether you are a fan of Halloween or not, “Hocus Pocus 2” is definitely a movie that can help anyone get in the Halloween spirit. Be sure to check it out this Halloween season on Disney+.