Hocus Pocus 2, the sequel (which no one asked for, and which has only been released to tug at nostalgia) to the iconic 1993 film, faces a set of challenges that hinder its ability to recreate the magic and charm of the original. The film sticks to a formula that worked almost three decades ago, but this choice becomes a double-edged sword. While it tries to evoke nostalgia in the audience, it faces the difficulty of making what worked in 1993 resonate in the same way in 2023. The lack of freshness in the performances is evident, and the film suffers from the inevitable comparison with the original. What was liked then is not necessarily liked now. And it shows.
Moreover, Hocus Pocus 2 is much less funny than its predecessor. Attempts to recreate the comedy and humour that characterised the first film result in moments that feel forced or simply lack the comic magic that made Hocus Pocus a classic.
Moreover, the introduction of moral lessons into the plot is a serious mistake, as audiences have proven to be saturated with moralising in cinema over the last decade. In a context where audiences are looking for light experiences and pure entertainment, the inclusion of moral lessons is unnecessary and out of place.
Review by Fr3d1BlockedParent2024-01-31T15:45:22Z
Hocus Pocus 2, the sequel (which no one asked for, and which has only been released to tug at nostalgia) to the iconic 1993 film, faces a set of challenges that hinder its ability to recreate the magic and charm of the original.
The film sticks to a formula that worked almost three decades ago, but this choice becomes a double-edged sword. While it tries to evoke nostalgia in the audience, it faces the difficulty of making what worked in 1993 resonate in the same way in 2023. The lack of freshness in the performances is evident, and the film suffers from the inevitable comparison with the original. What was liked then is not necessarily liked now. And it shows.
Moreover, Hocus Pocus 2 is much less funny than its predecessor. Attempts to recreate the comedy and humour that characterised the first film result in moments that feel forced or simply lack the comic magic that made Hocus Pocus a classic.
Moreover, the introduction of moral lessons into the plot is a serious mistake, as audiences have proven to be saturated with moralising in cinema over the last decade. In a context where audiences are looking for light experiences and pure entertainment, the inclusion of moral lessons is unnecessary and out of place.
But Bette Midler looks fabulous, it must be said.