Oh, look, another glorious re-release. It makes me sick!
Well, actually, it doesn’t really. Especially when the re-release is Hocus Pocus, which is heading back into UK cinemas just in time for the spooky season.
The movie – which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary – needs very little introduction, but for the four people who haven’t seen it, Hocus Pocus is a family comedy starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, and Vinessa Shaw. Directed by Kenny Ortega, Hocus Pocus follows the story of three kids who find themselves in a battle against a trio of recently revived witches known as the Sanderson Sisters.
In the film, the year is 1993, and on Halloween night exactly 300 years since the Sanderson Sisters were hanged, teenager Max Dennison accidentally brings the witches back to life when he lights the mysterious Black Flame Candle. Upon returning to the land of the living, the sisters immediately terrorise Max, as well as his sister, and his classmate, before familiarising themselves with the 20th Century.
But the Sanderson’s don’t have a great deal of time to learn the ways of the ’90s, because they are on a clock. If they wish to remain alive, they have until sunrise to devour the souls of children, otherwise they will turn to dust.
Will they manage to accomplish their goal, or will Max and Co. thwart their plans? I don’t know why I’m asking this question, because chances are, you know the answer already.
Originally released back in 1993 to mixed reviews and a fairly lacklustre box-office, Hocus Pocus has spent the last 30 years building up a strong and loyal fanbase which has dramatically changed its fortunes. Once considered a bit of a disappointment, the movie is now considered a real success story and one of the ‘go-to’ movies around Halloween.
The reason for the complete turnaround with Hocus Pocus is because thanks to TV re-runs, VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, streaming, and cinema re-releases, audiences have had ample opportunity to watch the movie, and they like what they see. Hocus Pocus is a fun, spirited, and devilishly delightful romp, with some great gags, some camp performances, and a playful tone which keeps things family friendly.
Hocus Pocus is spooky, but never scary. It contains a few jokes aimed at adults, but at no point does it lose sight of its young audience.
To put things simply: The film is pitched just right to appeal to a broad audience, who want some Halloween hijinks. There are no tricks, but there are plenty of treats.
The stand-out characters in Hocus Pocus are the Sanderson Sisters, who are played to perfection by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. The trio play the roles as if they are pantomime dames, with an air of menance, but more importantly a great deal of silliness.
Hamming things up at every opportunity, Midler, Parker, and Najimy have an absolute ball in the roles. Whether it’s getting confused over modern technology, or bursting into song to bewitch the town of Salem, the actresses throw themselves into every moment and chew up the scenery accordingly.
The Sandersons are wonderfully wicked and a large part of this is down to the chemistry between the three leads. Each actress brings something different to their roles, to make it their own, but when all three are working together they are a complete hoot.
Of course they’re not the only actors in the movie, and the young cast – Omri Katz, Thora Birch, and Vinessa Shaw – also work well together. This trio have to carry a large number of scenes to drive the movie forward, and they do so without any difficulties at all.
Throw in some support from Doug Jones as 300-year-old zombie, Billy Butcherson, as well some vocal work from Jason Marsden as talking cat, Thackery Binx, and Hocus Pocus has some great talent in play. Everyone involved in this picture understands the type of movie they are making, and this comes across on screen.
What also comes across is some smart direction from Kenny Ortega, as well as excellent production design from William Sandell, set decoration by Rosemary Brandenburg, and costume design by Mary E. Vogt. Everything from the make-up to the music is fabulous in Hocus Pocus, and this ensures this movie is a stone-cold classic and nothing less.
I don’t need to tell you how good Hocus Pocus is, because you know this already. And if you have somehow managed to miss it over the past 30 years, then I’m pretty certain you know someone who has seen it, so you understand how well regarded it is.
However, my job here is to tell you how brilliant the movie is, and that’s exactly what I shall do. So, for the record, it’s brilliant, you should re-watch it at every opportunity, and especially at this time of year.
For those who want to catch Hocus Pocus back on the big screen, the movie is returning to select Vue Cinemas in the UK from Friday 29th September. The screenings are limited, however, they are popping up on a semi-regular basis throughout October, which should give you ample opportunity to take your kids, your friends, and anyone else who wants to see it.
And of course, if times are tough for you and you can’t make one of the screenings, Hocus Pocus is widely available on DVD, Blu-ray, 4K, and digital download. The movie (and its sequel) is also streaming on Disney+.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
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