Disney frequently gets excessive mileage out of nostalgia, which makes it easy to miss when the inspiration wasn’t quite as deserving of praise as we want to remember. In the less-demanding constraints of Disney+, “Hocus Pocus 2” could profit from that dynamic, delivering a breezy sequel – 29 years later – that should make for simple Halloween viewing for families.
The Sanderson sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, are still comfortably dressed in their costumes and shoes, and they even get to perform a jukebox-style rendition of the Elton John song “stone cold sober” as extra promotional material for the film.
Even yet, what makes this adaptation of “Hocus Pocus” work is the clever blending of the old and the new, which recreates the core structure from the original while introducing a fresh group of teenagers from a variety of backgrounds to take on the ancient witches. Sam Richardson and Tony Hale from “Veep,” along with three decades’ worth of technological advancements (automatic doors and Alexa truly do look like witchcraft to undiscerning eyes), are added to provide a framework for humour that both adheres to and slightly expands on the original formula.
As the movie opens with a 12-minute Sandersons origin narrative, which is probably most notable for an appearance by “Ted Lasso’s” Hannah Waddingham, it takes a little too long for the movie’s charms to start showing. The focus then shifts to two outcast teenagers (Gossip Girl’s Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo), who enjoy hanging out at the neighbourhood magic shop, where the owner (Richardson) helps sow the seeds for the Sandersons’ most recent reawakening.
The Sandersons once again display a combination of malice and incompetence, beginning with their magic’s susceptibility to a few grains of salt, so the kids wind up having to do the bulk of the heavy lifting in fending off the threat.
Thankfully, the younger group comes off as a very likeable group, even though the Disney Channel-like plotline involving an estranged buddy (Lilia Buckingham) who has turned her back on her old friends in favour of the popular youngsters doesn’t exactly scream originality.
However, a movie of this nature scarcely needs to reinvent the wheel; it is more of a copy-and-paste job. To its credit, the movie still does a good job of subtly including references to the original, such as the trio’s silly synchronised walk.
While the not-too-scary antics are suitable for children, such parts will probably give parents who saw the movie way back when more of a kick, helping it become a Halloween favourite. Practically speaking, the fact that the main actors are reprising their roles should generate enough marketing buzz to make this a hit for Disney’s streaming service without spending too much money by forgoing a theatrical release.
According to that standard, “Hocus Pocus 2” hits the streaming sweet spot, feeling just big enough but not too big. That formula is more alchemy than science, but given Disney’s extensive live-action remake and revival history, it does take a special touch to serve the drink in a way that makes the effort worthwhile.
On September 30, “Hocus Pocus 2” will make its Disney+ debut.
