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Witches Return: Hocus Pocus 2 is worth the nearly three decade wait


​FILM REVIEW
Hocus Pocus 2
​​​
Rudy S.

Headliner Chicago


Picture

​​​Fans have been waiting almost 30 years for a sequel to Hocus Pocus and now the moment is finally here. The original film was released in the summer of 1993 (yes, during summertime) and wasn't a box office success. Yet, just like A Christmas Story and  Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the film found cult classic status after appearing on television marathons year after year. Now, the Sanderson Sisters' costumes and phrases are part of pop culture and are here to stay! 

When it comes to the Sanderson Sisters, Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker bring the same energy and delight to these roles, as if three decades have not passed. Fans are going to love their energy, their lines and references to the original film.

I'm not giving any spoilers, but make sure to look for plenty of Easter eggs in this film. The sequel's nods include past locations, characters and even Jenny Dennison's Madonna Halloween costume. When I first heard that Thora Birch and Omri Katz wouldn't be reprising their roles as Dani and Max, initially I was bummed. At the same time, I was excited to see what Sam Richardson, Tony Hale & Ginger Minj would bring to this film. Let's just say the film exceeded my expectations as to how to move this story forward,while celebrating the original. 

This is a rare sequel that knows what the fans want, including a few moments to the LGBTQ+ fans, while also inviting a new generation of fans for the magic that has become Hocus Pocus.

Hocus Pocus 2
playing exclusively on Disney +
beginning September 30
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  • Video of the Day
    • A sneak preview of the reeling film fest
    • ARC Music Festival - Editor's Review
    • Family fun activities in Chicagoland
    • Unique movie experiences in Chicagoland
    • Haunted Mansion - Editor's Review
    • Barbie - Editor's Review
    • Summer theatre performances for kids
    • Theatre Camp - Editor's Review
    • No Hard Feelings - Editor's Review
    • Disney's The Little Mermaid - Editor's Review
    • Explore magical fun in Chicago this summer
    • Mafia Mamma - Editor's Review
    • Top 10 Headliner Chicago Videos of 2022
  • The Weekender
  • Theatre Reviews
    • Hamilton
    • MJ: the Musical
    • Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
    • Good Night, Oscar
    • King James
    • La Cage Aux Folles
    • Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
  • Archives
    • Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
    • Hocus Pocus 2 - Editor's Review
    • Top Gun: Maverick - Editor's Review
    • The Lost City - Editor's Review
    • I Want You Back - Editor's Review
    • Marry Me - Editor's Review
    • Subsurface - Editor's Review
    • Scream - Editor's Review
    • Encanto - Editor's Review
    • Scream 6 - Editor's Review
    • A Recipe for Disaster
    • Spooky Weekend Guide for Kids and Families
    • how to celebrate galentine's day in Chicagoland
    • Tiffany - interview
    • Time Out Market
    • Thema Houston - Interview
    • The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
    • Museum of Illusions
    • Love Actually? An Unauthorized Musical Parody
    • Jay Sethi - Diageo Beer Company (Guinness Tap Room)
    • Movie picks for National Cinema Day
    • FREE TICKETS - I Want You Back - SNEEK PREVIEW
    • 57th Annual Chicago International Film Festival
    • Halloween Films Set in Illinois
    • Dear Evan Hansen - Editor's Review
    • Disney's Frozen
    • The Green Knight - Editor's Review
    • The Tomorrow War - Editor's Review
    • Wolfgang - Editor's Review
    • A Christmas Story Christmas - Editor's Review
    • Museum of Illusions
    • Swissotel's Santa Suite
    • To-Go Valentine's Day menu from Chicagoland hot spots
    • Top 10 Headliner Chicago Videos of 2021
    • 10 Acts to See at Lollapalooza
    • New Year's Eve Outfit - A trip to Primark
    • Family Shows & Musicals Coming to Chicagoland
    • Elton John at Lollapalooza?
    • St. Patrick's Day Events in Chicago
    • Cinco De Mayo in Chicago
    • Chicago is the home for great comedy this February
    • Santa Suite, breakfast with Santa & more at Swissotel this holiday season
    • Chevy Chase coming to suburban Raising Cane's for holiday lighting
    • Chicago is about to become "Harry's House"
    • Park Ridge's Pickwick Theatre is closing
    • Chicagoland Pride Celebrations
    • SPOILER ALERT: Gaga's Chromatica Ball preview & setlist
    • Lollapalooza - Surprise Guests & Backstage Celebs
    • Etty Farrell on favorite Lollapalooza performance & special memory with Dua Lipa
    • A sneak preview of the Reeling Film Festival
    • Kick off the weekend with these Chicago holiday traditions
    • Concert Review - The Smashing Pumpkins at the Metro
    • CONCERT REVIEW: Dua Lipa
    • Revisiting Lady Gaga's Favorite Chicago Spots
    • Let's Celebrate Taylor Swift the Chicago way!