'Hocus Pocus'—A Movie Review

I have put a spell on you, and now this night is filled with hocus pocus!

Hocus Pocus flew into theaters 26 years ago for a Halloween nobody would ever forget. The Sanderson sisters return after being dead for three hundred years and wreak havoc all across Salem. A group of kids stops at nothing to defeat the witches, putting themselves in danger to protect each other at all costs.

Hocus Pocus has become a cult classic. It is a fun movie to watch every year in October. While it did not do so well in theaters upon its initial release, the film has left a remarkable impression on film history.

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are the best parts of this movie! They shined in their incredibly witty, intimidating, and hilarious personalities as the witches. These three incredible actresses put their hearts into the performance of a lifetime. I enjoyed the sisters constant bickering and aloof comments trying to figure out the new century.

I especially enjoyed Bette Midler’s entertaining song rendition of "I Put a Spell on You." Parker especially sang a hypnotizing song that is both mesmerizing and even sends chills up your spine at the same time.

Omri Katz and Thora Birch were outstanding as the bickering siblings, Max and Dani. Their relationship was very realistic in their sibling spats, calling one another names, but openly telling the other how much they care. That is a very important lesson to all siblings. As annoying as our siblings can be we have to watch out for one another. Family is important.

While Vinessa Shaw (Allison) is meant to be the girl next door, I love how the writers incorporated her character into the story creating a couple of different subplots. She becomes a friend to Dani as Max struggles to flirt with her while still making conversation.

Cursed to live for eternity as a black cat, Thackery Binx stops at nothing to rescue his little sister. Sean Murray performs as Thackery while Jason Mardsen voices him as a black cat. When I was a kid, I adored watching the cat lead the trio to their destinations. It made me wish that I could go along with them.

Expect an appearance by the remarkable Doug Jones as the corpse, Billy Butcherson, who is forced out of his grave to hunt down the kids. Jones was encased from head to toe in a decomposing makeover. I love movies with Jones. He is always willing to appear as zany monsters in exotic makeovers.

Also appearing in this Halloween adventure are Larry Bagby and Tobias Jelinek as the bungling bullies. Stephanie Faracy and Charles Rocket as Max and Dani’s parents. And even minor, but memorable, appearances by Amanda Shepherd, Kathleen Freeman, Michael McGrady, and Garry Marshall.

Salem is definitely busy on Halloween. The sets, especially scenes that took place in the witch’s home were decorated with spooky props and cobwebs. The costumes are especially outstanding. Halloween is the night to go all out in your best spooky costume.

Hocus Pocus is a charming tale. I enjoy watching this film every October. No matter what I am still on the edge of my seat during the suspenseful ending even though I have seen it over fifty times. It is a great film that has a touching message and filled with hilarious jokes that still make me crack up.

The film may be scary for little kids. While the witches are humorous, they are still the villains wanting to harm their victims.

Hocus Pocus is one of my favorite Halloween films! It’s bewitching. The moment you start watching it you’re cursed to watch until the end.