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Irene Alegria

Hocus Pocus 2 Review

Updated: Apr 27, 2023

Contributed by Irene Alegria, LFS Intern


After almost 30 years since the first film, Hocus Pocus 2 brings back the Sanderson Sisters with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles.


Debuting on Disney+, Hocus Pocus 2 follows a similar plot to the original from 1993. We follow the journey of three teenagers who are trying to put an end to the Sanderson Sisters. Being that the original focuses on kids being the main victims of the three witches who want to keep their youth, this sequel is no different.




The campy nature of the original lends itself to this sequel as we follow the Sanderson Sisters experiencing the 21st century for the first time. From riding brooms to using Roombas, this film doesn’t take itself seriously and lends itself to a good time.


Disney took what made the first film popular and applied it to a world in the 21st century. We follow a different cast of teenagers for this film. Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo take on the Sanderson Sisters and lead them through a world they are not familiar with. From a Walgreens to yet another Halloween costume event, the Sanderson Sisters attempt to navigate this world and follow through with their mission, eternal youth.


Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy wasted no time in getting back into their roles. It is as if there wasn’t an almost 30-year gap between this film and the original.

Although Hocus Pocus originally didn’t perform well in the box office, over the years it became a cult classic as an entertaining-campy Halloween film. Studded with an iconic musical number towards the middle of the film, Disney didn’t shy away from the musical nature of the film for the sequel.


There are multiple musical numbers in this film, all just as good as the one found in the first film. Disney really leaned into what made the first film memorable, musical numbers, humor, and the chemistry between the Sanderson Sisters.


If you enjoyed the first film, you will equally enjoy Hocus Pocus 2. The campy humor of the original can be found in the sequel and is more so at the forefront. The film is definitely worth checking out and is readily available on a Disney+ account. And if it’s been a while since you’ve seen the original, I suggest watching it before the sequel to have a witchy good time.



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