"Hocus Pocus" (1993)

Rating: PG

Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Directed By: Kenny Ortega

Written By: Mick Garris, Neil Cuthbert, Greg Beeman, Kenny Ortega, David Kirschner

In Theatres: July 16^th, 1993

Runtime: 95 minutes

Studio: Buena Vista Pictures

Summary:

After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.

Review:

This is such a fun Halloween movie! All the characters are eccentric and lovable. The action is non-stop, well-paced – very entertaining. 

The three witches are the best part of this film. Who doesn’t love Bette Midler? The star of the show, she inspires plenty of laughs as all her evil schemes always seem to go a bit awry no matter how much passion and heart she puts into them. Sarah Jessica Parker appears in a pre-“Sex And The City” role. At times I feel she over-acts the eccentricities of her character. But there’s also more to her character than meets the eye as the film goes on. She portrays a dim personality but in moments proves to be smarter than she lets us know initially. Kathy Najimy’s character is perhaps the stupidest of the three, but she also has her moments that prove she’s not to be put in the corner either. 

Thora Birch appears in a very young role. Aside from the witches, she was probably my favourite character. As the youngest protagonist she provides cuteness and a far more courageous and level-headed attitude than her elders in moments of crisis. 

The comedy is silly and at times by the book and clichéd as far as witch-stories and confrontations go. The whole witches-wanting-to-eat-children is as old as time. Perhaps this idea is a bit macabre for young children to be watching. Ditto regarding the inclusion of a triple hanging and the murder of a child all within the opening few scenes. Then again, Disney has never been one to shy away from rougher subject matter. 

I recommend this film. It’s definitely an enjoyable watch. 

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