90s Movie Review - Hocus Pocus

Director: Kenny Ortega
Genre: Family/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 1993
Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Thora Birch, Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, Amanda Shepherd, Larry Bagby

Description: A curious youngster moves to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17^th century.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 39: A MOVIE FROM THE 90S
 
Review: “Hocus Pocus” has been a cult film for years. In the year the film was released, “Hocus Pocus” was not popular at all. Over the years its popularity increased and now there are even plans to make a sequel for Disney+.
After moving to Salem, Max Dennison discovers an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend Allison. Allison tells Max the story of the three Sanderson sisters. She tells him that they were evil witches who died three hundred years earlier, but would return one day is a virgin lit a special candle. Max doesn’t believe any of this and lights the candle, after which the Sanderson sisters return to Salem. With the help of a magical cat, the children must steal the witches’ special book to ensure that they cannot become immortal.
A major reason why “Hocus Pocus” works is Bette Midler. She plays Winniefred, the oldest and the meanest of the three sisters. She does this with such verve that it is actually impossible not to enjoy the performance. She is the one making the film scary for kids. The two sisters, Sarah and Mary, add the funny touch to the film. Some of the visual effects might be a bit outdated, but the humor works and the practical effects are good, so you can easily ignore the aforementioned.
I think “Hocus Pocus” is the perfect family film for this Halloween time. It’s funny and has the right amount of scare.

Rating: 3,5 / 5