Hocus Pocus

Cast: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz and Thora Birch

Director: Kenny Ortega

Release Date: 1993

Genre: Halloween/Family Film

Running Time: 1hr 36 minutes

Rating: PG

Format: DVD

Synopsis:

It's been 300 years since the Sanderson sisters were executed for practising witchcraft. Max a new kid in town with the help of his sister and his high school crush accidentally wake them up, the sisters have one night to secure their existence in this world and become young again, will they succeed though?

In 1693, the Sanderson sisters were executed for practising witchcraft and taking the life of Emily Binks. 300 years later we move to the present day, It's Halloween night, newcomer Max (Katz) is forced to take his little sister Dani (Birch) trick or treating. However after bumping into high school bullies and his school crush, they decide to go back to the old Sanderson house (now a museum) where Max accidentally lights the black flame candle that brings the Sanderson sisters back to life. Max, Dani and Allison must do everything they can to send the witches back to the underworld before the sunrises.

Bettle Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy steal the show as the three Sanderson sisters. The humour comes from watching three witches from the 1600 hundreds survive in the 20th century. Bette Midler stars as leader of the group Winifred Sanderson, controlling over her two sisters, her performance is not only fantastically genius but hysterically funny. Kathy Najimy from "Sister Act" fame stars as middle sister Mary Sanderson. Absolutely hilarious, Najimy delivers a terrific performance, showing a brilliant amount of comic timing. Last but not least we are introduced to the youngest of the Sanderson sisters Sarah Sanderson, coincidently performed excellently by Sarah Jessica Parker. Sarah is thought to be the innocent and cute one out of the group. Parker's performance is outstanding.

Disney took it's fair share of risks when making this film, being the first to mention virgins and briefly showing under-age teenagers drinking alcahol. Terrifically shot in Salem, Massachusetts, it adds to the storyline perfectly. Director of Photography Hiro Narita has worked brilliantly alongside the lighting department and the production designers in creating a very eerie and spooky atmosphere on screen. The constant use of  purple, orange and green to emphasise the fact that it is Halloween. The curiosity of wondering how long the Sanderson house had been a museum? It is mentioned that spooky things started happening and the museum was closed? Is it thought that someone else had attempted to light the black flame candle over the years? The storyline is fun and thought provoking.
Highly entertaining, perfect for all ages on Halloween!

5/5 stars