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Bonus Entry! Hocus Pocus was released in 1993, and stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the timeless Sanderson Sisters. In 1693 in Salem, Massachusets, three witches absorb the youth of a young girl so that they can stay young. Her brother, Thackery Binx attempts to stop them, so the witches put a curse on him, turning him into a cat. The Sanderson witches are hung for their crimes. Years later, a boy named Max ignites the black flame candle, reviving the Sanderson sisters for one last night to absorb the youth of Salem to live forever.
Hocus Pocus is a yearly tradition for me no matter how old I get. I have watched this film every Halloween since I can remember, and I make sure that I still watch it every year. I have many fond memories of watching this film, and while it may not be a horror film, I would feel wrong talking about a Halloween movie marathon and not including this one. The film was actually a bomb upon release, but after years of it playing on Disney Channel for Halloween, it has garnered a massive cult following. The performances from the Sanderson sisters are great especially Midler as Winifred. If they were played by anyone else or in any other way, I’m not sure that this film would have worked as well as it does. They are just so charming, it’s hard not to love the Sandersons. There are several bouts of “fish out of water” comedy as well that actually work really well, such as the witches hearing an ambulance for the first time, or seeing someone dress up as the devil and believing him to be the real devil. Again, nothing spectacular but it has a certain Disney charm to it. I have always loved this film’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” as well, sung by Midler herself as well. Even Sarah Jessica Parker’s song can be a little catchy if you think about it for too long.
From a critical standpoint, this isn’t a perfect movie but I don’t really come to this film looking for perfection. Watching this movie always puts me in a festive, Halloween mood. If you are looking for something fun for the whole family, and have never seen Hocus Pocus, check it out. I may be looking at this with rose-tinted glasses, but what can I say? I’m a sucker for things that make me nostalgic.
Thank you everyone for taking the time to read about all of my horror movies for the month, and I hope to do it again next year. In the meantime, stay tuned as I continue to write reviews and some analysis type articles here throughout the year. Have a Happy Halloween!