By contributing writer Shayna Nellis, ’26
Hocus Pocus is a beloved cult classic, but is it really as good as people think? From an internationally known performance of “I Put a Spell on You” by Bette Midler to the world-famous Sarah Jessica Parker’s interpretation of “Sarah”, the movie is a must watch to get ready for Halloween.
The story is told by the three Sanderson sisters. Set in the haunted town of Salem, Massachusetts, the movie starts with the three witches summoning Emily Binx, the governor’s daughter. Their goal is to use her to look more youthful. Sensing something is wrong, her older brother, Thackery Binx, chases after Emily to stop her from being lured into the witch’s house. However, he is too late and the witches succeed. Thackery is caught and gets turned into a cat, but so do the witches. The audience is left thinking the Sanderson sisters are dead.
The legend of the witches lives on in Salem in the early 1990s. It’s thought that if one lights a black flame candle, the witches will come back. When Max and Dani, two new kids in town, stumble upon the black flame candle, chaos ensues. The witches are brought back from the dead and lead the kids on a “wild witch chase.” Max and Dani become friends with Allison, who leads them all around Salem as they run from Winnie, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson. The three witches have everyone’s hearts.
The movie is pure comedic genius. No one would likely think of having Sarah Jessica Parker try to lure kids into her home and eat them in order to appear youthful. Nor would anyone think to have Bette Midler sing “I Put a Spell On You” at a Halloween carnival with parents being a vast majority of people attending. It’s funny that no one was upset when it happened! It’s highly suggested that if and when you visit Salem, Massachusetts, you visit the filming locations to experience the sight of the nostalgic homes and landmarks for yourself.
Overall, Hocus Pocus is a feel-good Halloween movie. If you need something to watch this spooky fall, get a cozy blanket, some loving friends and family, and turn on Disney+ to watch the beloved film!
