REVIEW: HOCUS POCUS 2

3/5

The Witching Hour.

103 Mins. Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Sam Richardson, Doug Jones, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham, Tony Hale & Hannah Waddingham. Director: Anne Fletcher. 

Salem hasn't had its lot. It's been stirring around the cauldron for almost 30 years (and we're about three weeks late), but the Sanderson Sisters are back! So what better way to celebrate on your (smashing) pumpkin patch this Halloween than with 'Hocus Pocus 2' on Disney +? It's your best Bette, as Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reunite over broomsticks and vacuum cleaners. 

But almost three decades later in these modern times, is this 'Wocus Pocus'? Please! These witches were always ahead of their time, and now they're back to scare and put a spell on thee. The minute they hit the graveyard of their main stage in dirt breaking, fourth wall resurrection, you know this franchise belongs on a Broadway stage like its lead. Nothing can stop Bette Midler. Not even George Costanza rounding for home base. Midler is magnificent...and she hasn't lost her step as the baddest witch. Yet, her sisters are still doing it for themselves. Whether it be the spells in the city of Sarah Jessica Parker (her witch is still my childhood crush), or the hilarious heart of Kathy Najimy. Winnie, Sarah and Mandy. This is the original big-three. Hocus Pocus, expialidocious. Super like califragilistic. 

But this time there's a new craft of young sparks to add to the cast, set to star like a finger's thunderbolt. The 'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina's' Whitney Peak at hers, best friend (introducing) Becca Escobedo and Lilia Buckingham of Buckingham family fame. All giving this franchise resurrection a fresh feeling. As do reliable comedy actors Tony Hale ('Arrested Development', 'Veep') as the town's mayor and Sam Richardson (also 'Veep' and an Emmy goal scored for 'Ted Lasso') as a magic shop owner. But it's the prosthetic Oscar mold award changing worthy actor of Doug Jones, returning undead for the first time since 1993 and 'The Wizard Of Oz' West End revival star Hannah Waddingham (also of 'Ted Lasso' and 'Game Of Thrones' fame) as the mother of all witches in glorious grey (my new crush now it's three decades and a lost hairline later), who steal the show with their potion potent power. 

Toil and trouble are added to 'Step Up', '27 Dresses' and 'The Proposal' director Anne Fletcher's fun film for the family this holiday season with more spice than a Starbucks latte this fall. All as Disney look to add a plus to this spooky season in a time Marvel gives us a special retro presentation of a 'Werewolf By Night'. Reviving the witches cowl at the same time Jamie Lee Curtis finally says goodbye to Michael Myers for 'Halloween Ends'. It's a lot to sweep with the brooms this ghost story of a weekend, but from a Walgreens to a carnival, this really does set up shop as bright light amusement for your behind the sofa escape this October 31st. Especially when it comes to a scene set even more hilarious than the real life legend of Tom Jones once entering a Tom Jones lookalike contest in his native Wales...and coming third. What's new, black pussycat? Three spellbinding talents which you can't hold a black candle too, back again. Maxima effort. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Hocus Pocus', 'Werewolf By Night', 'The Witches (2020)'.