The original “Hocus Pocus” hit theaters 29 years ago in the summer of 1993, despite it being a movie taking place on Halloween night, it was a box office disaster. A decade passed, and with the help of dedicated fans of the fun and eccentric movie, has become a classic beloved by many. Now, almost three decades after the original, the “Hocus Pocus” franchise is continuing to be beloved by even more fans with the most recent addition, “Hocus Pocus 2.” 

 The original “Hocus Pocus” follows Max Dennison, his little sister Dani and Max’s crush, Allison, in an adventure that starts out with Max lighting the forbidden Black Flame Candle that releases the Sanderson Sisters from the depths of Hell.  

The sister trio contains Mary played by Kathy Najimy, a fun oddball, Sarah played by Sarah Jessica Parker, the ditzy blonde and Winifred played by Bette Midler, the most powerful of the sisters and the eccentric leader. The sisters in the movie are trying to suck the soul out of children to keep themselves younger, and they only have until sunrise to do it. 

The original “Hocus Pocus” also includes a fun and iconic performance of an original version of the classic, “I Put A Spell On You” by blues singer Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. The movie ends with Max, Dani and Allison working together and defeating the witches, with the help of Winifred’s unrequited zombie lover, Billy Butcherson.  

“Hocus Pocus 2” continues the mischief of the Sanderson Sisters with a modern twist. Becca and Izzy are teenagers who are interested in the occult and witchcraft and accidentally summon the Sanderson Sisters by acquiring the Black Flame Candle.  

The sisters, instead of sucking the souls out of children, are trying to cast a spell that will make them even more powerful than they are. The movie even includes an original version of the song, “One Way or Another” by the popular rock band, Blondie. 

“Hocus Pocus 2” teaches the audience that a coven, or a group of friends or family, will be even more powerful than tackling situations alone. It’s a movie that has the classic “friends and family make you even stronger” moral. “Hocus Pocus 2” is funny, just as eccentric as the first, and fun for the whole family.  

“Hocus Pocus 2” is now streaming on Disney Plus for all Halloween lovers to see.