Hocus Pocus 2

Grade: C

My favorite part of Hocus Pocus 2 was the first few seconds, before the regular movie began. We get the usual shot of the Disney castle, and then halfway through, “When You Wish Upon a Star” becomes minor, and everything turns dark and sinister. I rewound and watched it again, because it was very cool. I was 12 when the original Hocus Pocus was released, but never saw it until 2020, at age 39. It was pretty dismal, corny, and dull, with obviously fake sets that made me wonder if anything was filmed at a real location. When I heard the news of an imminent Hocus Pocus 2, I figured it couldn’t help but be better, right?

It is. What makes it work, and slightly elevates it from its predecessor is the chemistry from Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker – when they finally make their first entrance, 28 minutes in. You can sense how happy they are to be back together doing this again after 29 years, and a little bit of that fun translates to us. Midler in particular is a consummate performer with vast experience as a singer. Unfortunately, the buck teeth she is given serve as a handicap, and stunt her musical prowess as the show-woman we know and love. There are a couple of musical numbers; I liked their take on Blondie’s “One Way or Another,” and it was well-choreographed. They also lyrically re-work an Elton John song. No points for guessing “witch” one.

Just like in Hocus Pocus, everything is heightened to cartoonish levels, and logic is often dumbed down. At least one of my two laughs came from Tony Hale as the mayor. I wonder if he knows what a mayor is. He didn’t know what GMA stands for. Our other 3 main characters are well-played by Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, and Lilia Buckingham, who present their roles with refreshing straightforward sincerity. Now that they’ve got this resume credit, I hope it shoots them up into the stars. The climax is one of the best scenes (and one of the quietest), as it gives us some nice touching notes of drama. The magic book, known as Book, is likely my favorite non-human character. Who knew an animated object with one eye could convey so much power and emotions?

I feel like I’d be beating up an innocent little puppy if I hate on the Hocus Pocuses too much. If you’re already a fan, I’m sure Hocus Pocus 2 will more than serve its purpose for you. Otherwise, well…payback’s a witch.

Grade: C