Being a huge fan of the original movie, I was worried this would be a disaster, but it was everything I had hoped it would be. The tone, visuals, and acting are all there. Hocus Pocus 2 is able to hold enough from the first movie to be recognizable, while adding enough new ideas to not just be a boring copy.
Our new, young protagonists are delightful, and give the movie a theme of friendship, rather than family, that was the driving force in the 1993 movie.
The Sanderson sisters are still amazing, and we even get to see them as kids - I don't know who found the young girls to play them, but they did a great job; seriously, I could have watched a movie just about them.
There are loads of laughs here, a little bit of music, and at almost two hours, the movie just flies by. I will absolutely watch this every October - along with the first Hocus Pocus. Fans of the original are going to love this, and anyone new to our trio of witches can jump in and still enjoy.
This is an amazing sequel, totally worth the watch! Gotta love the Sanderdon Sisters! :black_heart:
It's so cool to see the Sanderson Sisters again! It's such a nostalgia trip. That being said, the movie is just okay. I really loved the beginning with the Sisters' origin story; I would've loved if it was longer.
The present day teenagers were boring as hell though. Just like the joke in the movie, I forgot their names too. It's like every teenage lead now has to be intelligent, confident, witty, good looking, an outsider but in a cool way, and their only faults seem to be that they're so confident it causes conflict that they're always in the right about. I loved in the first film how the three teenage leads all had very different personalities, and were able to bounce off of each other well.
The film was also missing any real scary moments. In the original, the Sisters seemed like a real threat. Here, they're never really intimidating, because the producers would never allow it.
It was good. I wish they would have sang i put a spell on you though.
Whitney Peak is just annoying.
Aren't there any good actors out there?
Bette Miller, Kathy Najimy and even Sarah J Parker were great!
And now no-one can't say a joke that everything is making fun of someone?
It's not. Grow up!
They ruin movies that could be really good with these abuse of political correctness.
3 Stars, one for each original witch.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Hocus Pocus 2’:
This was never gonna match the impact of the first one, but it was still a good outing! It successfully matched the vibes and feeling of the original, and celebrated it in all the right places. The music, the jokes, the easter eggs. Not an easy feat for a follow-up 29 years later!
It was smart to give the soul of these films — The Sanderson Sisters — a little more backstory and, at the end, a little more heart. I understand why they opted for that than having the old cast members back — as missed as they are. And speaking of the sisters, Midler was the only one who seemed to have maintained the spirit of their character from the original. Parker and Najimy, as phenomenal as they are, seemed to approach Mary and Sarah a liiittle differently this time around.
I wasn’t completely impressed by the new characters. I couldn’t buy into this new trio of witches, especially when the third friend entered the fray rather late in the film. I didn’t get to know her and, ultimately, didn’t care about her story. The other two certainly weren’t terrible at all, but I can’t say they were particularly memorable. I don’t think we knew enough about them either.
The credits song is rolling and I am still feeling from how utterly disappointed I am with Hocus Pocus 2. The mid-show spell song really sealed the deal, as it was just a s***y cover, instead of something fun and original, not to mention not near as catchy as the original. The "youth" cast was boring af, and untalented (Note: I am not speaking of the opener; those children were AMAZING and we're honestly among the best part of the movie, though however briefly portrayed). Hocus Pocus 2 was wholly a let-down, and I am sorry the director thinks this this movie is worthy of succession, especially 29 years later.
The first twenty minutes, amazing!
Everything else was a complete and total let down as I knew it would be. There was a reason it wasn’t done for over twenty years.
Time sure flies by, we all grew up and so did Hocus Pocus. For all the good and bad it means, it really is updated to "modern standards". The sisters as kids were absolutely phenomenal, two thumbs up for the actors and whoever managed to find them, as perfect a fit as possible, I imagine. The "new trio" though, the movie really fails to do them justice. Then again, considering what that entails these days, perhaps it's not this particular movie's fault - as characters, they're also as cookie cutter as they can be, we've seen them too many times and in these days we see them everywhere. I can't even recall their names and somehow that fact doesn't even bother me so much. In contrast the sisters do bring character, they are still as colourful as they were, perhaps a touch different, but none the worse for wear - which is quite the achievement three decades later. For those of us who saw the first movie as kids, everything they bring (back from the dead) just works, just as well.
The one fault, perhaps, is that this sequel breaks from the original in that it doesn't really feel like a Halloween movie. Maybe intentional, especially considering the very early release, but at the same time it feels a bit of a loss, all things considered. Oh, and Mary's mouth seems to be mirrored, compared to the first movie, for some reason. Having said all that, as a whole the movie manages to bring some of that oldschool Disney charm, which is actually great - if a little predictable at this point (together with that twist at the end). A throughly enjoyable sequel if you liked the original, I might even venture to say it's a graceful one.
Did they really need a redemption arc? I feel like this movie was missing all the heart of the original story, where the other characters who weren't the Sandersons drove the story forward, where the death of a small girl resulted in her brother being trapped for centuries, and the eventual outcome was both happy and sad at the same time. This one was just... meh.
[Disney+] The best that can be said is that it's just as dumb as the original movie, but it forgets what "Hocus Pocus" (1993) so firmly assumed that it was what ultimately made it a success: being a movie of Halloween. This version wants to be more of a coming-of-age in which the witches play a supporting role. But worst of all, it can't find a way to update itself to be more than just a nostalgic look.
Weak cash grab. Typical passing of the torch story to set up a revamped franchise.
A must watch for all the nineties kids that grew up and loved the first one (like myself). I had so much fun watching the Sanderson Sisters return. The chemistry between Bette, Sarah J and Kathy is still there and it's like no time has passed. The story is fun, goofy and there is singing again which come on, we all need!
It's not as good as the first but it's all about the sentiment for me. I waited for this movie and it didn't disappoint.
Oh and I now need a movie that features Mother witch because that bit was too short!
The first Hocus Pocus movie wasn't that great and neither is this follow-up. There are a couple of laughs but the tepid writing failed to bewitch me.
Mike is the real hero, putting up with all that judgment and lack of understanding from his female teenage counterparts seems pretty unkind of them to just make fun of him when he's really trying to be a nice person
It may not hold a (black flame) candle to the original but it absolutely has the charm, spirit and gusto of it!
The new and old cast were excellent. The throw backs were excellent. The stupid puns actually had my millennial arse laughing out loud.
The only let down (for me) was the somewhat happy spin that Disney have come to do, start and end this time. That being said this is still absolutely one of those films that is going to win the hearts of new Hocus Pocus fans, and quite rightly so!
The Sanderson Sisters will never not be present on any Halloween night to come for a long, long time
Better than the first as soon as it starts. With a strong and fun backstory for the Sanderson sisters. Though it does lose a little steam by the end.
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.
I'm not entirely sure why I decided to watch this film on a regular day instead of waiting for Halloween. It could've been a perfect fit for those spooky days. I genuinely enjoyed the first one and had quite a bit of anticipation for its sequel. I don't want to be overly critical, though. I'm not expecting an Oscar-worthy masterpiece here, but I must say, it's a fun and entertaining watch.
What I really appreciate is how they brought back the original witches to reprise their roles and managed to blend the modern world into the story. There was this one scene, though, where they performed a modern song that made me cringe so hard – like, why? It would have been much better if they had gone with an original song instead.
I also had a hunch that the ending might take a turn towards them realizing their acceptance in this world and highlighting how much things have changed. But I guess the focus remained on the sisterhood and their mission to make the originals vanish for good. The ending is intriguing, though. It leaves you wondering if there's potential for another film centered around the three new 'witches,' or if it's up to the audience to imagine what happens next, considering the main theme really revolves around 'the originals.' Either way, perhaps it's best to let things be, as altering it could shift the core essence of the film.
All in all, it's been a delightful and likable film. I'm thinking they should consider crafting a fresh movie with a new title, where the new witches take the lead roles. Just a thought!
:heart:x5
I think this is an ok follow-up to the original (even tho I don't really remember the original much). As a stand-alone movie, it was passable and did have a couple of chuckles.
How I rate:
1-3 :heart: = seriously! don't waste your time
4-6 :heart: = you may or may not enjoy this
7-8 :heart: = I expect you will like this too
9-10 :heart: = movies and TV shows I really love!
A great sequel to a classic. Beginning the film with explaining the background of where the Sanderson sisters originated from is brilliant, as they tie that in to influence the premise of the plot and the new young cast. The spookiness and special affects are great. The plot line is easy to follow and moves along well. Its very comical as it shows the witches reaction to modern day life. This second film follows three young girls who accidentally bring back to life the Sanderson sisters. They are chased and tricked throughout the entire film until finaly the Sanderson sisters come to a conclusion.
First of all, the original was a kids film and obviously, we’ve all aged since then as have the lead characters. I expected this long awaited sequel to be dire but I was actually very surprised. It was an enjoyable, Disney back to its roots affair and yeah, I really enjoyed it. The teens were a bit meh… instantly forgettable. I think the boyfriend dude would have been better as one of the three as his character did have at least something unique about him. The original cast however, we’re superb as ever. I just wanted more of them… and I still want more… somehow… some way… Hocus Pocus 3 anyone?
Watched for the first time tonight on Halloween, after re-watching the original for the 29th time (see what I did there.) I have to say the og remains my favourite, however this does a really great job reuniting the Sanderson Sisters once more.
The witches are back, and there's hell to pay.
At first once the backstory started I was like do we really need this, it does add to the sisters backstory though and especially when it all culminates at the end it makes sense. Once the first song kicked in "The witches are back" I knew I was in for a good time, "One way or another" was also a blast to watch. Having said that I thought it a bit odd that the witch the Sandersons first meet, just gives Winifred the book and vanishes never to be heard of again, I guess its short and to the point so I can't argue that, I don't know a little more on that character and why she just hands over the book so quickly/easily would have been nice.
The story was unexpected introducing modern day witches, even allowing for more empathy for Winifred's character at the end which was surprising but very touching especially when Book tried to save her essentially from herself casting the book out until she realized, I thought was really well done. It was also nice to see them all using their powers a lot more this time around, again I would have liked more of a battle near the end however the effects were good.
I thought it was all over too soon, I could have watched more alas it was a fitting and emotional ending for the sisters (will they be back, you never know)
Overall it was great seeing the Sandersons back in action, Bette, Sarah and Kathy are a trio to be reckoned with and a joy to watch in action. The music was amazing and catchy, this is one to add to the family movie list around Halloween for sure.
Had a BLAST watching this on Halloween with friends. The movie had great costuming, strong writing, and a great cast. The music numbers didn't slap quite as hard as the original, imo, but were still great (is there anything that shines brighter than Bette Miller in a spotlight??) and the coordination of the "One Way or Another" number with the audience movements was pretty amazing. The jokes landed very well, had me lol'g for reel many times, and it was a hit with those who hadn't seen the first movie as much as those of us who had grown up with it. And don't even get me started on how much I loved the drag show. An all-around hit!
For these reasons, in my heart, this movie is probably a 10, but the critic in me has to knock it down a little for the lackluster new group of kids. The actors were all great, I don't think it was their fault at all or a matter of casting, but the script just wasn't there for them. In the original, the kids had almost as many funny and iconic moments as the Sanderson Sisters, so I was really sad to see the kids deprioritized here. This is, ultimately, a kids movie and kids should be able to see themselves properly reflected in the story. I missed the banter, the shenanigans with Binx, the terror- turned-friendship with Billy, the sense that these characters have a REAL relationship that has happened off-screen. I believed in the original that Max and Dani were really brother and sister, I believed Max's hopeless crush on Allison. Here, I felt like I was watching actresses that did not know each other pretend to be friends.
All-in-all, an amazing film and a satisfying sequel and conclusion to this beloved property, with a little room for improvement.
Also, I REALLY was hoping that the ending would see the Sander Sisters discover Botox so they could stop killing kids and stay here to host drag shows and/or be on reality TV. Oh well!
Extremely watchable fun. Lives up to expectations. I would happily rewatch in the right mood.
Didn’t like the original but this is a good film even if you don’t like the original
lots of good laughs, and so much nostalgia for the first movie. I enjoyed it a lot!
8.5/10
Pure. Cash. Grab.
This movie is garbage, a bunch of has-beens trying to be relevant.
Kind of mehh. For me the Sanderson Sisters didn't fit this modern setting and didn't match with the rest of the cast. If it wasn't for Midler's performance as Winifred this would have been a 4 or a 5 for me.
Well worth the wait!!! So glad it turned out good
The first movie is one of them, liked it when i was kid but not same now and all this sequel did was show me it didn’t need one with a predictable plot that was rushed and with some cheesy silly gags but it was still watchable and had some laughable moments.
I can’t believe it’s been almost 30 years since the original came out! As far as this one goes, it’s literally everything I could want in a sequel (especially this many years later). It hits many of the same notes and tone, and is truly a successful follow up! If you like the first, you will like this one. If you don’t like the first, don’t watch this one thinking it will change your mind. Despite this, when I want more from the Sanderson sisters, I will probably just turn on the original…but that’s not a knock on this one. Can’t beat nostalgia at the end of the day!
Rating: 3/5 - 7.5/10 - Worth Watching
I found the movie to be delightful, it wasn't the original but it did deliver. I was fully engrossed in the story the whole time is refreshing and delightful and a 10 out of 10 recommend and everyone that I've recommended this movie to has absolutely adored it.
There was no way this would've ever lived up to the original but it was definitely fun. I wish the main new characters would've been fleshed out a bit more though
I wish I could say that I was surprised by HOCUS POCUS 2, but I wasn't. It's absolutely what you'd expect with a Disney+ reboot. It was relatively uninspired.
The plot was hardly original. It's almost like we've never seen a movie where a witch/wizard/warlock came back from beyond the grave to get revenge. It's nothing like Halloweentown. Or Spookybuddies. Or the original Hocus Pocus.
The plot was mediocre and bland, but the casting was far from that. I'm a huge fan of the HBO series VEEP, so getting to see Tony Hale (Jefry Traske) and Sam Richardson (Gilbert) appear in another project together was wonderful. The new heroes Whitney Peak (Becca) and Belissa Escobedo were well cast and knew what roles they were supposed to play. Where they brought some sweet moments to the film with some good acting, they did conform to the Disney model. Of course, we can't neglect the original trio comprised of Bette Middler (Winnifred,) Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah,) and Kathy Najiamy (Mary) who brought their A-game to their performance. It was a blast to watch.
The film had a disappointing amount of product placement which distracted from the tone of the film because it had to be interacted with. One scene took place inside a Walgreens, but the trio of witches spent 30+ seconds trying to go through the automatic doors. Another featured an Apple HomePod, and the witches were frightened of Siri. It was amusing, but it distracted me from the tone of the film and besmirched the film as a whole.
On the whole, HOCUS POCUS 2 wasn't bad. It was entertaining and good use of my evening. However, it wasn't anything new or surprising. 7/10.
Shout by thangcuoiBlockedParent2022-09-30T13:02:48Z
Pretty good actually. Fans should be satisfied.