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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
    • Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning - - Editor's Review
    • Mother's Day suggestions in chicagoland
    • how to celebrate st. Patrick's day the chicago way
    • Paddington in Peru - Editor's Review
    • An interview with Benjamin Ingrosso
    • Queer - Editor's Review
    • Wicked - Editor's Review
    • ARC music festival 2024
    • Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - Editor's Review
    • Labor Day Fun - the unofficial end of BRAT summer
    • Lollapalooza 2024 Recap
    • Pride events in chicagoland
    • Star Wars Celebrations for May the 4th
    • Mother's Day shows in Chicagoland
    • How to best experience Monday's solar eclipse
    • It's time to visit Rosemont this Spring & Summer
    • Possible surprise guests at Lollapalooza 2024
    • Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire - Editor's Review
    • The editor's predictions for lollapalooza 2024
    • A Preview of Chicago's Concert Festivals
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  • The Weekender
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    • Death Becomes Her
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  • Archives
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    • where to celebrate "the Big Game" in chicago
    • A trip to Delightful Pastries - A paczki paradise in Chicago.
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    • Unique movie experiences in Chicagoland
    • Trolls Band Together - Editor's Review
    • Family fun activities in Chicagoland
    • Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
    • Barbie - Editor's Review
    • Halloween Celebrations in the Chicagoland Area
    • 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
    • Top 10 Headliner Chicago Videos of 2023
    • how to celebrate st. Patrick's day the chicago way
    • POTUS
    • Marry Me - Editor's Review
    • A sneak preview of the reeling film fest
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    • Haunted Mansion - Editor's Review
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    • Good Night, Oscar
    • A Recipe for Disaster
    • MJ: the Musical
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    • how to celebrate galentine's day in Chicagoland
    • Tiffany - interview
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    • 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
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    • Concert Review - The Smashing Pumpkins at the Metro
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    • Visit St. Charles this February