Disney Plus released the highly-anticipated sequel to the 1993 hit “Hocus Pocus” which has made a name for itself as a Halloween classic. Released on Sept. 30, “Hocus Pocus 2” follows the iconic and witty trio of witch sisters Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) as they are re-summoned into the Halloween-obsessed town of Salem, Massachusetts. The Sanderson sisters were resummoned in 2022 by two young, quirky girls, Becca (Whitney Peak) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo). 

The Sanderson sisters are on the same mission as before – to take over the town of Salem, Massachusetts. Their task is to cast a spell on the town’s Mayor, Jefry Traske (Tony Hale), and get revenge on Salem. The references to the original film and witty humor weaved throughout the film give it life, however, the repetitive storyline from the original movie leaves a lot to be made up for. The film had to make sure it was entertaining enough even with the repeated storyline, which it did in part.

The acting was cheesy, but not to the point where it made the film unwatchable. Midler, Parker and Nijimy revised their roles as the Sanderson sisters in the original film which created an authentic feel and a nostalgic nature. The younger actors felt cheesy and awkward which made the film unbelievable, as their delivery felt awkward and unauthentic. If the actors were more believable, the film would’ve been much closer in glory to the original.

The cinematography in the sequel was more visually pleasing than the original, and the camera work and angles were exceptional. As the Sanderson sisters break into the mayor’s house, they burst open the door as the three stand in the door frame with only a view of their silhouettes and smoke floating behind them, which feeds the audience a tasteful shot of the spooky nature of the film. Among other shots, the movie gives aesthetically spooky views to the audience that bring the cinematic experience to life. 

This movie has a fun energy to revive the enjoyable Halloween spirit. It’s definitely a great Halloween film to watch with family that uses the value of friendship to bring the spooky season to life. Its comedic scare factor leaves audiences with a feeling of fun.

Even with the mediocre acting and repetitive storyline, the “Hocus Pocus” sequel is an enjoyable Halloween movie to enjoy with loved ones. It gives the nostalgic aspects to the older audience that remembers the original, while also providing fun and spooky humor and sequences for the younger audience. This movie deserves a 7/10; it has room for improvement, but it could have been a lot worse. Next time you feel like sitting down with your family to tap into the Halloween season, hop on to Disney Plus and enjoy the spooky sequel to the iconic “Hocus Pocus.”