Hocus Pocus 2 [2022] – Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy

Hocus Pocus 2 is a fun comedic movie following the original one from 1993. Do I remember anything from the first one? No. Would I remember a thing from this one? Definitely not.

Why can’t we leave classic movies alone? Haven’t Disney learned that forced sequels and revivals aren’t doing well for them? Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t hate the movie, but I also didn’t love it. Which is a major thing considering the talent that’s holding it together: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. They were certainly the stars of the original movie, but not here.

If anything, the appearance of the Sanderson sisters felt a bit forced…. just to be able to consider this movie as part of the Hocus Pocus franchise that Disney is clearly trying to revive (Just stay for the post credit scenes).

Why am i saying that it feels forced? I rewatched the first movie right before this one. It ended on a promise that the sisters would be back to wreak havoc. But we got more than 20 years later is an extremely mellow version of that. Without letting the Sandersons return as their purely evil selves, it felt like a very missed opportunity to push the franchise into the modern day and age. Plus, we’ve clearly missed out on a throwback to 90’s teen romps.

In summary, Hocus Pocus 2 has more magic than its predecessor, but that does not mean it casts a memorable or lasting spell.

Should you watch it?

Hocus Pocus 2 is basically a boiling melting pot of nostalgia, but that’s just almost enough enough for this belated sequel to cast a reasonably effective spell.

Where can I watch it?

You can stream Hocus Pocus 2 exclusively on Disney Plus.