On Sept. 30 the long-awaited “Hocus Pocus 2” was released after almost 30 years since the original movie premiered in 1993.   Directed by Anne Fletcher, the filming took place from Oct. 2021 to Jan. 2022 in Rhode Island.  This movie has humor for all ages but also has a Halloween vibe that matches feelings of fall. The movie is currently streamed executively  on Disney Plus. 

The setting of the movie takes place in Salem, which is a personal touch that Massachusetts residents can relate to.  The Sanderston sisters are a trio of witch sisters who are known to be the most powerful trio that has ever lived in the original Hocus Pocus. This movie is about three young friends who bring back the original Sanderston sisters to the town of Salem. Becca, one of the three girls, accidentally brings back the Sanderston sisters on her 16th birthday with a cursed candle. These three young girls need to figure out how to stop the witches from causing chaos and destruction to the world. The plot revolves around the theme of magic and stopping the magic  from messing with the witches. 

The movie features popular actors. Including  Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy. Some of the actors in the new movie were also in the original movie as well. These actors were excited to be invited to perform in this new sequel. They were dedicated to recreating that people loved in the original movie without making the same story from 1993.

Overall, this movie is getting a wide range of feedback. According to Rotten Tomatoes, this PG movie is rated three and a half out of five stars. Some viewers love this movie and comment on websites how it was the perfect sequel, well worth the wait of 30 years. Other viewers write comments on how the movie is not what they expected and does not capture an accurate “Hocus Pocus” experience. This movie can be slightly difficult to watch if you are a big fan of the original movie because it does not quite match the main experience the original “Hocus Pocus” produces. 

Even though this movie does not match the original movie, it still contains life lessons  that audiences can relate to. The three friends and witches focus on the idea of promoting love and courage. The writers capture these specific life lessons in a way of making the scenes kid-friendly, while making the vibes of Halloween visible. “Hocus Pocus 2” is something to watch that is appropriate for all ages and is festive for this time of year.