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Hello Cinephiles,
Today we’re talking about the 2022 film Hocus Pocus 2.
Story
It felt like the first closed the book on the Sanderson Sisters, but the sequel uses a clever linguistic loophole (the best kind) to bring them back. The structure of the movie is close enough to the original to have callbacks, but different to be unique.
I’m really impressed with the tighness of the story. There are elements that seem like they were meant as one of gags, but then come back later in a great way.
Score: 1
Characters
The sisters, and Billy, are 29 years older and it show in little things like the timbre of their voices and the way they move. That being said, they are completely beleivable.
The new characters are very much like the first set of kids, except instead of the awkward romance, we have the story of friends who’ve drifted apart. Much less secondhand awkward and more fun.
I also enjoyed the clueless boyfriend who didn’t realize he was a bully.
I liked the evolution of Book from a malevolent force to a loving friend.
Score: 1
Dialogue
The dialogue was quipy and a lot of fun. I liked the self awareness of the film.
Score: 1
Visuals and Music
The visuals were beautiful. They were sparing with the CGI and what little they used was well done. (Looking at you Book)
The music was fantastic. I loved the musical numbers and the other music was great. I’m buying the soundtrack if I can.
Score: 1
Fun
This had all the fun of the first with no angst, awkwardness, or child death.
It was fun and spooky in all the right ways. The entire family loved it.
Score: 1
Overall
A new Halloween tradition is here! With all the charm and fun of the first with more songs, more magic, and less awkwardness. In most ways, it’s just as good if not better than the original.
Final Score: 5*
*A 5 star review doesn’t mean the movie was perfect nor that it is perfect for everyone but it is a movie I believe is as close to perfect as possible.
