On Halloween night, the three Sanderson sisters, the town of Salem’s most famous witches, accidentally reappear when a black flame candle is lit. In their quest for immortality, they come up against three teenage girls, who also have more than one trick up their sleeve.
Posted at 8:30 a.m.
The comedy Hocus Pocusreleased in 1993, has become a family Halloween classic, thanks to its trio of eccentric witches played with panache by Bette Midler (Beaches), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City) and Kathy Najimy (Sister Act). Twenty-nine years later, the actresses take on the roles of the Winifred sisters, Sarah and Mary, with just as much enthusiasm, who only have a few hours to achieve their goals. The wait will have been worth it.
The most marked improvement is on the script side. This one was pretty thin in the original Disney movie. It took off, with many twists and challenges going beyond the quest for children to ensure eternal youth. The fearsome witches, led by Winifred (the terrific Bette Midler), are out for revenge and will stop at nothing to become all-powerful.
Links are skilfully woven between what happened during the 16e Winifred’s birthday and the 16e birthday, 370 years later, of teenager Becca (Whitney Peak), on the eve of Halloween. Growing up in Salem, Becca and her two best friends have been drawn to witchcraft since childhood. They do not allow themselves to be imposed when the evil trio reappears.
Under the direction of director Anne Fletcher (The Proposal), just about everything has been taken further than in the original film, whether it’s the special effects, the witches’ reaction to various elements that are taken for granted in our time, as well as the strength of the bonds that bind the three sisters. The humor is mixed with an emotional charge.
Above all, the pleasure of finding the legendary witches is undeniable. The feisty long-toothed Winifred, the beautiful and giddy Sarah as well as the faithful crooked-mouthed Mary have retained their charm. Even the friendly zombie Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) is back. There is enough to satisfy fans of the franchise, while seducing a new generation.
Comedy
Hocus Pocus 2
(VF Abracadabra 2)
Anne Fletcher
With Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
1:43 a.m.
On Disney+