TV - Movies
Things Only
Adults Notice In
Hocus Pocus 2
By DUSTIN PINNEY
THIS STORY CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR "Hocus Pocus 2"
SPOILER WARNING!
“Hocus Pocus” fans know the Sanderson sisters survive by feasting on the souls of children, but the sequel has darker implications. When raiding the local Walgreens, Mary eats what she thinks is a child’s face, leaving fans to wonder if the witches regularly consume human flesh.
Face Of A Child
A new crew of characters was introduced in “Hocus Pocus 2,” including Sam Richardson as Gilbert and Tony Hale as Mayor Traske. Richardson and Hale have previously worked with Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson) on the HBO show “Veep.”
Veep Reunion
“Hocus Pocus” established that a virgin has to light the magic candle to revive the Sanderson sisters, which is why Gilbert tricked Becca and Izzy into lighting it. When the girls confront him, Gilbert explains it’s impossible for him to revive the Sandersons — and only adults know why.
Gilbert’s Virginity
“Hocus Pocus 2” opens with a flashback to 1653 when Winifred, Mary, and Sarah were children. Winifred has been told she needs to get married now that she’s 16 years old, which adults know is an extremely young age to find a husband in the modern world.
16 And Married
The autumnal atmosphere from the original “Hocus Pocus” is lacking in the sequel, which makes the movie feel a little unfamiliar. There are also a few scenes with cheap special effects that draw adults out of the immersion in the story, whereas kids are still mesmerized by the movie magic.
Production Value