Hocus Pocus
I am not entirely sure how or why it happened, but I absolutely adore this “Pocus-sance” of the past five years or so. I love the Hocus Pocus memes that bless every corner of the internet in October, the merch available for purchase at any self-respecting retailer, and the precisely correct amount of airings of the film on Freeform: 27. I think it’s safe to say that Hocus Pocus has become one of the most, if not the most, popular movies to watch at Halloween time. I, for one, am ecstatic to have a reason to watch it an extra time this year for our Film Club review. I literally can’t wait anymore, so let’s dive into this bubbling cauldron of a movie, headfirst.
There are so many elements that make Hocus Pocus the ultimate Halloween film. The atmosphere is perfect. Every frame drips with the autumn season and Halloween, from the decorations and costumes to the foliage and spooky setting of Salem, MA (a wickedly fun place to visit during this time of year). Even the casting of our modern-day Lon Chaney, Doug Jones, as the resurrected corpse Billy Butcherson was perfectly fitting for this modern Halloween classic. Speaking of casting, I think it’s hilarious that they cast established Disney voice actor James Marsdon (A Goofy Movie, The Lion King 2) as the voice of Thackery Binx, but I guess they didn’t find him quite dashing enough to film him as Thackery’s human form (if you’re not sure what he looks like, he’s Nelson from Full House and Eric’s short friend in the early Boy Meets World days), instead dubbing his voice over Sean Murray’s performance. I do have to hand it to the sound mixer: the dubbing is, overall, pretty convincing, especially in the opening scene.
Director/Choreographer Kenny Ortega may be best known for his work on the High School Musical trilogy (2006-2008), but we don’t talk about that here. His two greatest masterpieces are Newsies (1992) and Hocus Pocus (1993). As you might discern from his filmography, Ortega is a pretty theatrically-minded individual. Even though Hocus Pocus isn’t technically a musical, the film has the tone, staginess, and charm of a movie musical. That brings me to the star of the show herself: Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson. I honestly don’t know if the film would have the lasting following that it does today without Midler’s contributions. Personally, with Midler being one of my all-time favorite actresses, she elevates my viewing experience of the film time and time again. The way she so clearly channels Gloria Swanson’s Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevard, 1950) with the wide-eyed, high angle stare and the drawn-out, exaggerated theatrical delivery of her lines is a beautiful homage that she also manages to claim as her own. She has stated that filming this movie was the most fun that she ever had on a set, and it shows so clearly through her performance. And in true Bette Midler fashion, she pulls out all the stops in her endlessly fun musical performance of “I Put a Spell on You.” Recognition also needs to be given to the two other Sanderson sisters, played by the hilarious Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker, who continuously draws attention to herself with all of the quirky and weird stuff she’s doing in the background. Of the kids in the cast, I could honestly take them or leave them, with the exception of Thora Birch (Dani), whose talents even a young age were undeniable.
I couldn’t end this review without acknowledging the stellar dialogue from the movie. It’s clear that the film’s quoteability is what has kept the movie alive in our hearts for so many years. The characters shine through the dialogue so perfectly, and any time you see a pillow or t-shirt adorned with a Hocus Pocus quote, you can immediately recall which character delivered the line. My personal favorite quote is Winifred’s fascinated declaration that “He has a little woman!” in response to Garry Marshall’s ‘devil’s’ reference to his wife. It’s such a tiny moment, but Midler’s heightened facial expressions and gestures sell such small lines and make them the most-beloved elements of the film.
Hocus Pocus is not only my favorite Halloween movie; it’s one of my favorite movies in general. The humor, atmosphere, and charm of the film make it timeless in my heart, and something I, and many of us, it seems, will return to year after year. It’s hard to gauge whether or not the movie is so popular at the moment for nostalgic reasons, or how long its massive popularity will endure, but for witches like me, Hocus Pocus is here to stay. - Bailey🧹📙 😈
“The Sanderson Sisters” by Brian Gubicza, visit the online shop: goobeetsa.com.
It is never easy to define why a film becomes a cult classic, or what makes it so special to many of its dedicated followers. Perhaps it is the result of harsh reviews by film critics who lambasted and belittled the film, versus the countless fans who only see the lovable and hilarious qualities, the very elements that so many criticized… Hocus Pocus (1993) is arguably ‘not for everyone.’ It is goofy, childish, over-the-top, poorly acted (at times), and has a completely unbelievable plot that defies all logic. But that is exactly why I love it.
It might be the nostalgia, for me, of watching the film every Halloween. As a child in the 1990s, I grew up with this film on repeat, watching it like clockwork, every October, often with repeated viewings. The very elements that first attracted me to the film, are the same ones that keep me coming back viewing after viewing.
There is something so relatable to the enthusiasm of Thora Birch, as Dani Dennison, just wanting her older brother Max (Omri Katz) to take her out Trick-or-Treating. The two brother-sister relationships in the film, Dani and Max, and Thackeray and Emily, provide the driving heart of the film, which values familial relationships and that enduring childhood milestone, trick-or-treating. In this sense, Hocus Pocus perfectly captures the ‘spirit’ of Halloween. From the over-the-top costumes, to the ridiculous stunts teens do (such as breaking into a museum and lighting the “black flame candle”), the budding romance and coming-of-age sub plots, and the comedic ‘badness’ of the film’s central villain.
I am, of course, talking about the Sanderson Sisters, Winifred (“Winnie”), Mary, and Sarah, portrayed by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker, respectively. This trio is probably the most bumbling, and comedic group of cinematic villains out there. Basically, picture the three stooges, but in dresses, with the desire to “suck the life” out of all the children, but rendered completely inept to do so at every turn. The countless cheesy lines of dialogue, with so many memorable quotes, have kept me coming back to this film, and now as an adult, I love the Sanderson Sisters even more. These characters will forever have a spot on my lists of most memorable villains and favorite comedic characters.
Every time that I watch the film, I feel more and more that this film captures a piece of American culture that is disappearing. Today, most children’s Halloweens are being orchestrated by specific trick-or-treating events. I have noticed lots of cities and towns issuing ‘times’ and dates when people can go trick-or-treating, often with a short window of time on an afternoon, and into the early evening, on a day that may very well not even be Halloween. Plus, there are a plethora of alternative trick-or-treating events, such as big box store trick-or-treating (held at a Target near my hometown this year), or ‘trunk-or-treating,’ where locals get together with decorated car trunks in parking lots and hand out candy to participants. To me, these events take away from the mystery and fun of traditional trick-or-treating. The exciting trepidation of approaching a stranger’s house, to ring a doorbell, and demand some candy, was always a thrilling rush, and returning home late at night, with bags full of candy was always a satisfying experience.
Whether you love the film, or hate the film, there is no denying the magic that is Hocus Pocus. This films perfectly captures that childhood wonder surrounding Halloween. From the witches, to the trick-or-treating, and to spending quality time with family and friends, for me, watching this film is always an enjoyable experience. If things get too scary, or unbelievable, just shrug it off and remember that “it’s all just a bunch of ‘hocus pocus.’” - Sarah 🎃🕯🧹
What are your favorite moments from the film? Favorite quotes? (This is a tough one:) Favorite Sanderson Sister? Share your thoughts on all things Hocus Pocus in the comments below! Stay tuned for our November film club pick, which will be announced next week! Happy Halloween!
Copyright © 2019 Sarah Crane & Bailey Lizotte
