“Hocus Pocus 2”, the sequel to the Halloween favorite “Hocus Pocus” was released and available for streaming on Disney Plus this September, almost 30 years later. The movie stars some members of the original cast including the infamous Sanderson Sisters–Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy– who reprise their roles as the witches along with Lilia Buckingham, Whitney Peak, and Belissa Escobedo picking up three decades after the first movie.  

The original movie takes place in Salem, Massachusetts where main protagonist, Max Dennison, finds himself in a witch’s hut where he accidentally lights a cursed candle that resurrects the three witches. In order to prevent turning to dust, the Sanderson sisters must drain the life force of a child before dawn to survive. Unfortunately, the witches have their sights set on Max’s little sister Dani Dennison. 

 The new movie acts as both a sequel and a prequel to the original movie. The film opens with a flashback to 1653 where the sisters are taken in by the powerful Mother Witch. We then see a flash forward 300 years later where the movie follows the friend group of Becca, Izzy and Cassie. On Becca’s 16th birthday, she accidentally summons the Sanderson sisters again using a cursed candle. 

In a survey done for feedback on the two movies, one question asked whether or not “Hocus Pocus 2” should be released on other streaming platforms. Ms. Lennox joyfully wrote, “Yes! Disney plus is not accessible to many, and if Disney is going to release something they should do it on their channel or in theaters first.” Mrs. Lennon shared a similar opinion, explaining “Yes, because I do not really use Disney Plus and that’s the only reason I have not watched it.”  

When asked if viewers prefer the original “Hocus Pocus” movie or the sequel more, the response from Miss Felten was clear, “The first “Hocus Pocus” is better. It attracted kids of all age groups and even adults enjoyed it. I felt like the plot line for the second movie was not as engaging and the movie did not scare me. They tried too hard to make it funny.” Second year math teacher, Ms. Nunez similarly explained that she preferred the original as well, describing it as a classic. Additionally, sophomore Rose Padovano, shared that she also prefers the original movie because “…it’s always just gotten me in the Halloween mood.”

Although the sequel took an entirely different route with its plot in comparison to the original, both movies still share the Halloween spirit and lovable qualities of “Hocus Pocus” that make it the staple Halloween movie it was and continues to be today. 

Other Data Found in the “Hocus Pocus 2” Survey

• The survey showed that 90.5% of people surveyed have seen the Original “Hocus Pocus”
• The survey also showed that 61.9% of people have seen “Hocus Pocus 2”
• 61.9% of people said that Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson) was their favorite Sanderson Sister 
• 19% of people said the sequel was not similar to the original at all
• Majority of people surveyed said that they would recommend the sequel to a friend.