Hocus Pocus [PG]

300 hundred years ago the infamous Sanderson Sisters were hanged for the crime of witchcraft and the little town of Salem became safe. But now some unsuspecting pranksters have accidently raised them from the grave and no child in Salem is safe as the witches plan to suck out their lives so that they might stay young and beautiful forever. Now it’s up to Max, Alison, and Dani to stop the witches for good. After all we’re talking about three ancient hags versus the 20th century, how bad could it be? 

I first saw this film years and years ago when I hadn’t even hit double digits. I have my lovely cousins to thank for introducing me to this fantabulous film that’s packed to bursting with action, sinister plots, wicked witches, and loads of laughs. Thanks to my cousins. 

300 hundred years ago the infamous Sanderson Sisters were hanged for the crime of witchcraft and the little hamlet of Salem become safe once more. But this changes years later when a LA teenager and his family moves to the little town. When taking his little sister, Dani, trick-or-treating, Max bumps into the girl of his dreams and the three decide to take a trip and explore the old Sanderson house. Whilst there, Max plays a little prank, unsuspectingly raising the witches from the grave. With the Sanderson sisters back from the dead, no child in Salem is safe as the witches plan to suck out their lives so that they might stay young and beautiful forever. Now it’s up to Max, Alison, and Dani to stop the witches for good. After all we’re talking about three ancient hags versus the 20^th century, how bad could it be? 

What I love about this film is that it’s filled with horror elements, but it makes light of them using slapstick humour and a very light-hearted script. It’s good to have family movies that do that because it gives the younger audience the thrill of a horror film, but doesn’t scare. 

Bette Midler stars as Winifred Sanderson, the lead witch, and she was an absolute diva. All her gestures and her manner were very grandiose and she positively dominates the screen. 

Sarah Jessica Parker stars as Sarah Sanderson and I have to admit this is the only film in which I actually liked Sarah. She was childish, ditzy, and just cute. 

Starring Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Vanessa Shaw, and a very young Thora Birch, Hocus Pocus is a delightfully wicked comedy filled with talking cats, friendly zombies, costumed children, spells, action, romance, and comedy. I get more out of it every time I watch it. Love it!