Hocus Pocus 2 is the perfect follow up to the original film. Complete with infinite callbacks, the same style humor, and unforgettable musical performances.
Hocus Pocus has a massive cult following, and rightfully so. When Hocus Pocus 2 was announced this fanbase had a mixed bag of reactions. Of course, most were thrilled and excited to welcome the Sanderson sisters back on screen, but there was also a bit of cautious optimism clouding the enthusiasm. Since Hocus Pocus is so good, will a sequel be able to live up to it? Well, the black flame candle has been lit yet again, and lucky for fans everywhere, the results are phenomenal.
This film takes place 29 years after Hocus Pocus ended. Another virgin has lit another black flame candle and now the sisters are back — and ready for revenge.
Hocus Pocus 2 kicks off with the backstory of the Sanderson sisters. This adds more depth to the characters and allows fans to connect with them a bit more. We witness why they became the way they did — and even get a glimpse at a young Billy Butcherson. These 10 minutes or so shed light on Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, as well as their sisterly bond. There is even a fun cameo from the insanely talented Hannah Waddingham (who you know from Ted Lasso).
The young actresses who play the sisters (Taylor Henderson as Young Winifred Sanderson, Juju Journey Brener as Young Sarah Sanderson, and Nina Kitchen as Young Mary Sanderson) must have spent a lot of time studying the original Hocus Pocus because they capture the mannerisms and personalities perfectly. It truly feels like viewers are getting a peek into the early lives of the sisters growing up in Salem.
Following this set up is more set up. Now we are introduced to the teenagers who will have a hand in bringing the witches back by lighting the black flame candle. They are Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), Becca (Whitney Peak), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) — three girls, just like the sisters. This is a brilliant parallel and really ties a lot together when it comes to the overall message of Hocus Pocus 2.
The film spend about 15 minutes showing us what their friendship dynamic is like, before they finally light the candle. This is probably the biggest issue with the movie. It is 90 minutes long and just about 30 minutes until the Sanderson sisters end up on screen (although, what an epic entrance they make). While the set up of the sisters’ backstory, as well as the friendship of these new characters, is important, most fans will be chomping at the bit to see their favorite witches by the time that they arrive.
Once they arrive, however, they completely steal every scene. It feels as if Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker never let Mary, Winifred, and Sarah leave them. They pick up right where they left off and show the fans once again, why we fell in love with them. All eyes are on them as they perform unforgettable musical numbers, hunt down their enemies, and bicker amongst themselves.
Hocus Pocus 2 carries on the same humor and vibes as the original, making it the perfect continuation to the series. There are infinite callbacks to the first film that will have fans squealing with glee. Of course they arrive back on Halloween night, which means be sure to pay close attention to the costumes at the town’s festival — you might just notice a few familiar ones.
The sisters aren’t the only ones to come back in Hocus Pocus 2. Doug Jones reprises his role as fan favorite Billy Butcherson, who has quite an important part to play in the sequel. It is so great to see him towards the forefront of the movie, and his comedic chemistry with Sam Richardson (who plays Gilbert) will have viewers cracking up. These two should do more things together, but they make a great duo.
Tony Hale also has a fair amount of screen time as he plays the Mayor of Salem, and Cassie’s father. He always makes an impression in his movies and this one is no different.
Having the Sanderson sisters back is a little bit scary, but it all pays off in the end. The story is well written and perfectly ties into the original. This film teaches the lesson that a witch is nothing without her coven, and throws some truly emotional beats into the mix that the audience will not be expecting. Those who are invested in Hocus Pocus just might need to have some tissues handy.
Hocus Pocus 2 is an absolute blast! It respects the original and doesn’t try to replace it — which will have longtime fans thrilled. This movie serves as the perfect compliment to Hocus Pocus, and will be added to many Halloween film line-ups.
Hocus Pocus is already available to stream on Disney+, so refresh your memory before streaming Hocus Pocus 2 on September 30th — and be sure to stay through the credits because there is a stinger that you will not want to miss!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
NEXT: Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Blu-ray Bonus Features
About Hocus Pocus 2
It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.
Hocus Pocus 2 will premiere September 30, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.