With the advent of platforms like Disney+, a hybridised ready-to-host home for new and original programmes as well as a massive library of already made content, it is inevitable that new and updated iterations of shows will make their way to the surface. We’ve seen this extensively with still-ongoing franchises like Star Wars, and older classics returning with fresh takes like Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
To an extent, it has felt like this culture of revival was limited to the icons of the ‘80s and earlier, but now, the reach of this inevitability has extended to the likes of 1993’s Hocus Pocus.
Once again returning the Sanderson sisters to present day Salem, Massachusetts, a team of high schoolers have to prevent their plans for eternal youth by killing children… you gotta love kids’ shows from back in the day.
The premise remains the same with Hocus Pocus 2 and is, largely, just as serviceable as the original’s. The foils of today’s technology kinda reduces the charm for movies such as these, where the young protagonists being isolated from adult help creates a larger sense of independence and urgency. Thankfully, such elements are competently managed (largely by highlighting the incompetence of adults), and the narrative remains both entertaining and enjoyable.
It can be argued that the waning starpower of the lead among today’s kids may also be a factor in the reduced novelty of the sequel–but, let’s face it, these nostalgia-flicks are totally for us. That said, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy all return at their best, never skipping a beat (literally), and reminding us why the Sanderson sisters were always oh! so engaging for children-murdering villains.
Also reprising his role from the original is Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson, Winifred’s (Middler) ex-boyfriend, now a zombie hoping to assist in the task of preventing the sisters’ from achieving their goal. Jones is truly a master of his craft, and honestly deserves more credit for his performances.
The casting of Tony Hale and Sam Richardson also helps with appealing to an older audience, but contributes a tad to overshadowing what is meant to be the primary crew of protagonists. Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo, along with Froy Gutierrez, all fulfil their roles exceedingly well, but don’t quite hit very memorable notes in the presence of the veteran actors.
While a little disappointing, it is to be expected for these nostalgia re-treads where the new audiences are almost secondary at best.
Nevertheless, Hocus Pocus 2 is an actually enjoyable return to the franchise, allowing a new generation of fans to discover the original while also learning of the legend that is Bette Midler. Catch it on Disney+ from 30th September!
Now, can we get Sister Act 3, please?