“Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.” Add in a few spooky spells, a handful of witches, and a sprinkle of nostalgia, and what do you get? A classic Halloween comfort movie. 

Hocus Pocus first hit the big screen in 1993 and wasn’t a successful film in the beginning. However, through the years, it has gained a cult-like following and grown into a beloved fall movie for all ages.

This September, Hocus Pocus 2 was released on Disney Plus and in movie theaters, perfect for the fall season.  Fans have demanded a sequel for years since the release of the blockbuster. But now only one question remains: will it live up to the hype?

I highly enjoyed watching the first movie and didn’t anticipate the second one to be as worthwhile, but it did not disappoint me.

The story takes off right where the first movie left off, adding a modern twist. A new black flame candle is created by an unassuming shopkeeper and is lit by a virgin once again, prompting the return of wicked sisters: Winefred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson.

A new coven of teenage witches must stop the Sanderson sisters from wreaking havoc on Salem once again.

Although I enjoyed watching this movie, I did feel that the plot was lacking. It didn’t really feel like the grand return of the Sanderson sisters. The plot was repetitive and almost boring at times. 

For example, the witches returned,  hungry for children, and a group of teenagers had to stop them once again. It had the opportunity to be very unique and interesting, but the storyline was not much different from the original movie, which made the entire sequel a bit underwhelming.

However, what set the original film apart from many other Halloween movies was the outstanding chemistry of the cast. This is true for the second movie as well.

The actresses who play the Sanderson sisters are the perfect trio. They still work wonderfully to add bright comedic energy to the movie even 29 years later. 

I enjoyed watching them belt out their songs, and their amusing facial expressions and dialogue kept the movie upbeat and fun to watch.

There were many modern jokes such as Mary Sanderson using two Roomba vacuums instead of a broom, which I thought was ridiculous yet hilariously clever.

The new trio of teenage witches, Becca, Izzy, and Cassie, also encapsulate the dynamic of the Sanderson sisters and appeal more to the younger generations.

Although they are not related, they have that strong friendship and sisterly bond similar to the original Sanderson sisters. They’ve been practicing their witchy hobbies together for years and their strong bond adds a meaningful and comforting atmosphere. 

I thought the overall message of the second movie was very meaningful. The first movie mainly focused on the sisters’ hunger for power, whereas this movie emphasized the sisters’ connection with each other and the importance of family.

The plot was fast-paced, but it shined a light on how the Sanderson sisters came to be and especially added an emotional depth to Winefred Sanderson, the leader of her coven. 

I particularly enjoyed this, as the sisters weren’t just seen as children-hungry witches, but were given more character and personality. 

Overall, I enjoyed Hocus Pocus 2 and thought it was a satisfactory sequel. I did think the plot could have been more interesting but seeing as how the first movie’s plot is so iconic and nostalgic, it’s understandable that the sequel would have a difficult time topping that. 

This movie swept me up once again into the magical world of Salem and left me with a cozy, comforting feeling. It will be a welcome addition to my Halloween movie staples.