Movie Review: Hocus Pocus
Author: Erin al'Denael
Hocus Pocus is the best Halloween movie, hands down. For me anyway. :look You see, once upon a time in the dark ages of 3rd grade, I had a rather terrifying experience that put me off the horror genre for good. Despite that, Halloween is still one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. I just skip the super creepy death stuff. And watch Hocus Pocus. Why Hocus Pocus? I'll tell you!
Reason #1: The Sanderson Sisters are hilarious.
Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson have this dysfunctional witchery thing going on. Winifred, or "Winnie," is the head witch. Mary and Sarah are adorable, derpy sidekicks. The movie itself is one of those that you can watch and enjoy as either a child or adult, and lots of the humor adults can glean from it comes directly from these 3.
Reason #2: The story is sweet and fulfilling.
Love story wrapped in an old legend come to life? Annoying/adorable little sister adopts a cat with a tragic past? Cast of side characters with interesting little vignettes/moments scattered throughout? I relish all of it. As a child, the end terrified me (I have a weak tolerance for that sort of thing, remember). As an adult, I can remember the terror, and re-live the fear tempered by the fact that I know how it will turn out in the end.
Reason #3: The music!
Bette Midler has an amazing voice, and I cannot think about Hocus Pocus without thinking about the soundtrack. One of my favorite songs from the movie is "I Put a Spell on You." Another song, poignant for me (see above) is Sarah Jessica Parker's "Come Little Children." The movie score is also great to listen to. When Halloween draws near, I add it to the background music I play in my classroom. It's pretty nifty for atmosphere! :P
Hocus Pocus is my favorite Halloween movie. I re-watch it every year on October 31st (or as close to it as I can manage). This year will be no exception! I'll don this nifty T-shirt, make a silly snack, end enjoy. Feel free to watch it as well, and if you enjoy it let me know! :)
