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Hocus Pocus (1993)

Average rating

(69%)

Starring:	Bette Midler \| Kathy Najimy \| Sarah Jessica Parker \| Vinessa Shaw
Director:	Kenny Ortega
Studio:	WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time:	92 mins
Genres:	Comedy \| Family
Languages:	English
Released:	February 05, 2001

The Sanderson Sisters are 17th century witches who were conjured up by unsuspecting pranksters in present-day Salem. The key to their immortality involves three children and a talking cat, who also turn out to be their biggest obstacles.

Rating of 3 stars out of 5

This comedy is unusually dark for a Disney production and it makes for patchy entertainment. Three witches — Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker — are resurrected by a group of youngsters on Halloween and proceed to cause mayhem as they plot their revenge against the community that condemned them to death three centuries ago. The three stars are the best thing about the movie and they get to do one stunning musical number, a version of I Put a Spell on You. The youngsters, led by Thora Birch, acquit themselves admirably as well, but director Kenny Ortega seems unsure of the tone of the piece. Look out for a cameo role from Big director Penny Marshall.

Highest rated reviews

68 out of 71 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 5.0 stars
superb

williamsgwynfa from , 9th April, 2007

my daughters loved this film. it is perfect for watching on halloween night. Winifred played by Bette Midler, Mary played by Kathy Najimy and Sarah played by Sarah Jessica Parker, also known as the Sanderson Sister's play the three wicked Witches stalking and terrorising the small town of Salem. they suck the lives out of the little children, in a bid to make themselves young again. However, they are eventually caught and hanged by the Salem townsfolk, after sucking the life out of Emily Binks, and turning her brother Zackery into a talking cat. we then move forward to 300 years later, to the present day, where a young sceptic, and new kid on the block called Max Dennerson, along with his eight year old sister Danni, go to the old Sanderson house, during halloween, in order to impress Alison, a girl he really fancies from school. However, despite Alisons warnings, Max manages to resurrect the witches, by lighting the black flame candle, that brings them back to life, when lit by a virgin on Halloween night. A thrilling chase around the town ensues, as Max, Alison and Danni, must stay one step ahead of the witches, in order to save the Salem children, from having their lives sucked out of them. If the witches steal the lives of the Salem children, they will live forever, but if not, then when the sun rises they will turn to dust. one of the best parts is when Billy, the old boyfriend of Winnifred, is summoned back to life, from his grave. billy actually turns out to be a good guy. but could be quite scary for younger children. the witches - Winnie, Mary and sarah are very resourceful, when young children steal their brooms, they ride a mop, a broom and a vacuum cleaner. one of the best songs in the film is 'I'll Put a Spell on You' sung by the Sanderson Sisters. it is wonderful. this is a delightful film to spook up your Halloween, or even any day of the year! well worth renting out.

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4 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 5.0 stars
ONE TO WATCH

Minty from Midlands, 17th January, 2004

A family fun film which proves that disney hasn't lost it's touch. But it's the the excellent Midler(Beaches)who makes this film just what it is; Acting her broomsticks off she bewitches you every moment she's on the screen. Watch out for the show-stopping musical number. seeing her you may even forget she is supported by an excellent cast including Kathy Najimi (Sister Act) and the gorgeous Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City). even if it is designed for kids all the family can enjoy this movie masterpiece. Suitable for all the family although some scenes maybe scary for younger children.

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Hocus Pocus (1993)

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