Twenty Nine years after the original first appeared, Disney has returned
the Sanderson sisters in the new Disney+ movie “Hocus Pocus 2”.
The film shows opens with younger versions of the sisters and shows the
sequence of events that caused them to take the path that had them become
hated Witches which ultimately lead to the events of the first film.
When circumstances arise that allow for the sisters to return, they arrive
in the modern world looking to stay in the world of the mortals and exact
some revenge along the way. Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica
Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy), remain as fiendish as ever yet are
utterly clueless about the modern world as can be seen when they mistake a
Smart Speaker for an enchanted box and believe that the local Walgreens is
stocked with youth affirming potions containing the souls of children.
The majority of the film involves hijinks while the new cast members
attempt to save the day and themselves in the process. The film does offer
some musical numbers and amusing moments such as the sisters entering into
a Drag show where contestants dress as them and where the music of Blondie
becomes a featured part of an enchantment.
While the film may offer a more formulaic plot and is more amusing than
funny, its is great to see the three stars back and they clearly are
enjoying their return as they vamp it up and enjoy every over-the top
moment they can.
In the end “Hocus Pocus 2” may not break new ground, but it does offer a
charming return of the Sanderson Sisters and is an enjoyable dose of
nostalgia.
The film premieres on September 30th on Disney+
