#43 - Hocus Pocus (1993)
(dir. Kenny Ortega)
300 years ago, a trio of witches known as the Sanderson Sisters were executed by the people of Salem, but not before they cast a spell that will resurrect them when a virgin lights a magic candle during a full moon on Halloween. In present day Salem, well... a virgin lights a magic candle during a full moon on Halloween. Wacky witch hijinks ensue!
This is cute and has some really fun spooky atmosphere in it. The costumes and sets look great (especially the witches' home and the cemetery), and the effects when they cast spells or fly around on their broomsticks are really fun. Bette Midler is absurdly hammy and over the top, and gives the role 110% even when some of the dialogue is bad. Her schtick gets a bit old by the end though.
For a kids' movie this spends a weird amount of time emphasizing that the teenage protagonist is a virgin, and it's even more bizarre that his little sister constantly brings it up to tease him. Is this Disney movie implying that it's so lame to not be sexually active at 15 that even literal children will mock you for it? I'm imagining some awkward conversations between kids and their parents after watching this movie. Also Sarah Jessica Parker's character is weirdly horny and keeps asking to "play" with the boys, who once again are high school students.
Anyway this is fine for a children's movie, although there are probably better options for a kid-friendly Halloween film nowadays.
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