Tag Archives: film reviews

Movie Review: Scream VI

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By Adriana Zaragoza

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Scream VI, surprisingly, was one of the biggest, and most thrilling additions to the franchise since Scream 4. As a horror movie lover, who loves keeping up with the Scream movies, I was excited to see this. Promotions for this movie were thrilling and exciting, as they had people dress up as Ghostface in public areas around the world.

  • Cast: Jenna Ortega (Tara), Melissa Barrera (Sam), Hayden Panettiere (Kirby), Mason Gooding (Chad), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy), Courtney Cox (Gale), Liana Liberato (Quinn), Devyn Nekoda (Anika), Dermont Mulroney (Wayne), and Jack Champion (Ethan)
  • Directors: Tyler Gillet and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin (directors of Scream (2022) and Ready or Not)
  • Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

I saw Scream VI on its opening night. I went with a friend who I previously saw Scream (2022) with. As the famous opening scene took place, it definitely had us hooked. Keeping you on your toes, it takes complete turns left and right. Having one of the best opening scenes, and opening line to a Scream movie yet!

We now see the new characters–introduced from the last movie–take full control over this new movie. These characters are now the “Core Four” in Sam, Tara, Chad, and Mindy. All played fabulously by Melissa Barrera (Sam), Jenna Ortega (Tara), Mason Gooding (Chad), and Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy). We also see great, new additions to the cast and character list, such as Dermont Mulroney (Officer Bailey), Liana Liberato (Quinn), Jack Champion (Ethan), and Devyn Nekoda (Anika).

 I thought Jenna Ortega brought great acting skills playing an emotional sister, barely getting over the last attacks of Ghostface. Melissa Barrera, playing Sam, Billy Loomis’ daughter, brought her full strength to this movie. As she is now basically the new Sidney, and “final girl” to the Ghostface killers, because remember, there is never one.

One of my personal favorite parts would be the upcoming release of the new Kirby Reed, brought back from Scream 4. Grown, she is now a detective putting herself in this specific case due to her past connections with the Ghostface killings. Her addition added so much suspense to this movie. Along with Gale’s hilarious return.

Now as they explain in the movie, they tell us how we’ve now entered a franchise within the Scream universe, creating new rules, new kills, new killers, and a new setting. We follow this group in their college years, set in New York City. This is a new environment for the killer Ghostface, as we usually see him in Woodsboro, a small town. This changed the movie up immensely. It was incredibly exciting seeing this NYC setting, creating new and interesting kills we’ve never seen from a Ghostface killer before.

Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”) stars in Paramount Pictures “Scream VI.”

As we reach the core part of the movie, or the unraveling of the mystery, we are introduced to a whole new “stab” obsession and motivation. Now if you love the Scream movies, you are absolutely going to love this collection the killer’s have created, and you are going to love the outcome of this film. Again, keeping you on your toes, you will continue to be completely tossed and turned in your seat as the killers are revealed, with new backgrounds connecting their motivations as one.

Overall I guess you can say I really enjoyed this movie. The nostalgic feelings they brought from the first original Scream movie was so amazing to see. I am very excited for the turn this franchise took and I have faith in this new group of survivors. Scream VI is a genuinely good slasher film, and a Scream fan’s dream.

Film Review–Shazam: Fury of the Gods

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By Muna Agada

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Cast:

Zachary Levi (Shazam), Asher Angel (Billy Batson), Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy), Lucy Lui ( Kalypso), Helen Mirren (Magdalene), Rachel Zegler (Anthea), Djimon Honsou (The Wizard)

Director: David F. Sandberg

Production Company: DC Studios

Synopsis:

Billy Batson, aka Shazam, and his family are still juggling with the powers they were bestowed upon and the responsibilities that come with it. When a trio of vengeful daughters of Atlas come into Billy’s world looking for the magic that was stolen from them from the wizard, Billy and his family must band together to try and stop them.

The Good:

I really liked this cast, the chemistry that you could feel between all of the characters was really believable and really enjoyable. The acting in this was good–everybody was really giving it their all, and you could feel that everybody there wanted to be there. Without good cast chemistry, the project could really suffer but this one didn’t. And you could feel the love that the people in charge of it put into this project.

The “villains” in this film were a lot more powerful, which did bring a bit of a challenge to the heroes of the movie. I also loved that we got to see more of the adult versions in this movie, because we didn’t in the first; and their chemistry was good. In this movie, the adult counterparts were really my favorite aspects of the movie. The graphics and cinematography of this movie were really good and visually beautiful. 

The Bad:

It definitely feels as if this movie did lose a bit of the appeal that made the first movie such a blockbuster in the first place–the first movie just wasn’t a typical superhero action movie, but it also had serious family topics in it. I’m not saying the family aspect isn’t there, because it is; it just felt not as prominent, more like a side piece then the main one.

The villains in this movie weren’t nearly as impactful as they were in the first one, they were definitely stronger and more powerful, but at the same time not nearly as menacing. I felt like the kids were barely in this movie, because the adults were there more. They had to cut down on the kids, which was a shame because they were the biggest reasons why the first movie was loved. The only kid that was really there was Jack Dylan Grazer’s character (Freddy Freeman). Also, as much as I love this cast, it is nearly too big. Because it’s so large, a lot of the characters were not fleshed out at all and came out a little more two-dimensional (or even one) than three-dimensional.

Wonder Woman? What are you doing here?

My last point would be–what in the actual world was Wonder Woman doing in this movie? I mean, yeah, she was brought in because she’s a goddess, and she could restore everybody’s powers and bring back Billy in the process (which I had an issue with too–like how are you guys, really, going to kill the main character after only two movies, like stop! I mean, they brought him back, but they should have never done the whole death scene in the first place). But you guys really brought in Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), so she could be in the movie for like a hot minute and then dip? It made no sense to me and honestly seemed like a lazy copout to try and just end the movie on a happy note.

Even though I did say that the death scene wasn’t needed and I didn’t like it, I respected it because it brought some realism to it–like how not everything is always going to have a happy ending.

This movie wasn’t bad, I just expected more. It definitely felt like every other superhero DC movie, and the first Shazam was so much more than that. Also, side note: This movie wasn’t nearly as bloody as the first one, which was disappointing.

Holiday Movies to Watch Over Winter Break

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By Karissa Meno

1. Home Alone (1990)

Where to Watch: Disney+

Starring Macaulay Culkin as an 8 year-old boy left behind during the holiday season as the rest of his family goes on a trip. The boy is left behind to fend off burglars with traps and games laid around his house.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Jim Carrey as a green hairy mischievous creature who hates Christmas. A little girl sets off to get the Grinch in the holiday spirit while the Grinch plans to take away their Christmas cheer.

3. A Christmas Story (1983)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Peter Billingsley. A young boy narrating his life through the unforgettable holiday season as he hopes to get his dream gift and get through the holiday season.

4. The Santa Clause (1994)

Where to Watch: Disney+

Starring Tim Allen. A regular father and worker has a run in with the real Santa Claus and if forced to take his place after a tragic accident, he can no longer live a normal life.

5. Gremlins (1984)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Zack Galligan as a young worker who comes home to find that his inventive father has bought him an extremely rare gift–a special creature that can’t have water or eat after midnight. The holiday season is invaded by the little gremlins during Christmas.

6. Elf (2003)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Will Ferrell as an elf sent from the North Pole to search for his father. He navigates his life through New York City with his very enthusiastic personality.

7. Arthur Christmas (2011)

Where to Watch: Hulu

Starring James McAvoy as a young man who is sent to help Santa Claus and his technical operation team to deliver a gift to the one girl they missed before Christmas morning.

8. Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer (1964)

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Starring Billie Mae Richards. The story of Rudolph and how he grows up with his bright red nose as he navigates through rough lifestyles and comments only to meet other outcasts who are different like him, while being chased by the abominable snowman.

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Chevy Chase as the father of the family who is set on doing the regular Christmas traditions like tree picking, shopping, and family coming over but there is always something that goes wrong.

10. Jingle All The Way (1996)

Where to Watch: Youtube (Primetime subscription)

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the father of a family of three when he forgets to buy his son his favorite superhero toy. He sets off to retrieve one only to find that it is a lot harder to shop for Christmas late.

Film Review: Violent Night

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By Andrea Alfaro

New R-rated action-comedy, Violent Night, was recently released in theaters this December 2nd.

David Harbour, known for his role as Jim Hopper on Stranger Things, portrays a beatdown Santa Claus ready to throw in the towel and give up on Christmas, but an unexpected hostage situation leads him to becoming a family’s only hope of survival.

 

Violent Night was recently released in theaters, and I can tell you now it caught me by surprise. I stepped into that theater expecting to watch the usual action film full of cringy one-liners and the same old boring action sequences. Instead I was pleasantly surprised to be met with an action-comedy that featured some genuinely funny moments and action full of creative kills, perfect for this holiday season.

Not only did it have Christmas themed mayhem, but it had a wholesome message of understanding one’s self worth and forgiving ourselves for our past mistakes, because the steps we take to repent is what really defines us. 

This movie is worth a rating of four and a half stars. Besides the occasional one-liner, this movie was a refreshing take on the usual oversaturated action-comedies we see in the cinema nowadays. I recommend catching this in theaters this holiday season, because nothing says happy holidays like watching Santa Claus smash in the heads of those on his naught list

Film Review: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

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By Muna Agada

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Cast: Daniel Craig (Benoit Blanc), Janelle Monáe (Cassandra and Helena Brand), Kathryn Hanh  (Claire Debella), Kate Hudson (Birdie Jay), Edward Norton (Miles Bron), Leslie Odom Jr. (Lionel Toussaint), Dave Bautista (Duke Cody), Madelyn Cline (Whiskey)

Director: Rian Johnson 

Screenplay: Rian Johnson Distributed by: Netflix

Synopsis:

Detective Blonc (Daniel Craig) is back at it again, when he’s invited to tech billionaire Miles Bron’s (Edward Norton) deserted Greek Island for a murder mystery party that takes a turn when someone really ends up dead. Now Blanc is on the case to try and figure out who was the culprit.

Things I liked: First thing I liked would have to be the set: the deserted island, and the scenery of it all was just beautiful. The cast would have to be another thing, it’s made up of a lot of A-list actors, which worried me. Most of the time movies with big known actors tend to be bad, but this was good. You could tell that the actors were committed to their roles and were giving it their all. I liked the spin that they had with this movie.

The first Knives Out movie got big in the first place because it added a twist to the average, everyday murder mystery film. And this film was no exception. You find out that Detective Blanc wasn’t really invited by Miles, but by Helena Brand (Janelle Monáe), to discover who killed her twin sister Cassandra, who used to be friends and business partners with the group, but was stabbed in the back by them. She was ready to get her justice but ended up dying from an apparent “suicide”. There was also two murders being investigated, because Duke Cody (Dave Bautista) also ends up being killed. 

Things I hated: I feel like the murderer in the film was pretty obvious from the get go, which the first film did as well, but I was hoping it wouldn’t be so predictable this time. Spoiler Alert: the killer ends up being Miles, the one who killed Cassandra and Duke. And Duke’s cause of death was obvious, he dies when Miles slips him a drink with pineapples in them, something we learn from the beginning, he’s allergic to. I figured that out from the second he dropped dead. 

I was also disappointed that they didn’t use some of the actors more, like how they did for Janelle Monáe–I mean she plays two characters. Like Dave Bautista who ends up dead within the first 20 minutes and Madelyn Cline who they made a big deal out of in the promos, but barely used her. I just thought her character was useless and meaningless. In the movie Cline is dating Bautista’s character and they had a rocky relationship. The movie could have used that to their advantage and made Cline be the one who killed Bautista out of revenge for treating her like garbage in the relationship. He would basically sell her body to promote himself.

Dave Bautista as Duke Cody

Film Review: Halloween Ends

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By Karissa Meno

If people ask me if I would recommend Halloween Ends I would just tell you, “Only if you want to see if Michael Myers is really put to an end.”

•Halloween Ends was released October 14, 2022 almost a year after Halloween Kills (2021). It was directed by David Gordon Green, edited by Tim Alverson, with music by John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter, and Danial Davies.
•The cast included Jamie Lee Curtis (Laura Strode), James Jude Courtney (Michael Myers), Andi Matichak (Allyson Nelson), Rohan Campbell (Corey Cunningham), Kyle Richards (Lindsey Wallace), and Will Patton (Frank Hawkins).

Halloween Ends needed a more consistent and overall better storyline, and here’s why.

Official film poster

Summary:

Halloween Ends takes place four years after Halloween Kills, but they first introduce a new story and character jumping back to Halloween night in 2019.

The movie introduces Corey Cunningham, a babysitter for the neighborhood. While the parents are away, the kid and Corey are left all alone in the house with the terrifying thought that Michael may have come for them. After a terrible accident, Corey is now back in society facing the aftermath of Michael Myers.

Meanwhile, Laurie and Alison have made a new life for themselves with a new house and Alison has become a nurse. With Corey back in town he is introduced to Laurie and Alison and instantly falls for Alison. Later that Halloween, Corey discovers a shocking new friend hidden away. Over the course of a few days Laurie and Alison now have to live with the consequence of bringing Corey into their lives.

Opinion:

When the movie first started I noticed that Halloween Ends teamed up with Blumhouse Productions and I was a little terrified knowing Blumhouse’s reputation. It was a good idea to bring them in, due to their improvement in jumpscares, or maybe it was just the loud sound system. Overall the jumpscares were much improved and it felt a little more like a scary movie.

As me and my friends described during the movie, it felt like they needed to waste time in the beginning and middle of the movie in order to actually get to the most important part, the end (no pun intended). Everything felt so out of place and nothing really seemed to fit together.

My friends and I would even catch ourselves asking, “What is happening?” It felt more like a drama heading towards the middle of the story rather than a slasher film. In my opinion, the only enjoyable part was the ending; it gave action and suspense. The end had me and my friends cheering for Jamie Lee Curtis.

The theater experience was also uplifting, not only did we laugh together we were able to make jokes together. All I can say is it is always a good time watching scary movies with friends.

Film Review: Black Adam

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By Muna Agada

Cast: Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam), Sarah Shai (Isis), Aldis Hodge (Hawkman), Pierce Brosnan (Doctor Fate), Noah Centineo (Atom Smasher), Quintessa Swindell (Cyclone)
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Screenplay: Sohrab Noshirvani, Adam Sztykiel, and Rory Haines
Film Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Synopsis:

In the country of ancient Kahndaq, Tenth Adam (Dwayne Johnson) was bestowed upon the powers of the gods. After using his powers for revenge, he is imprisoned for 5,000 years. Now free and causing chaos, he is challenged by the Justice Society.

Things I Loved:

Firstly, coming into the movie I was hoping for it to be good because it’s like a spin-off of Shazam and that movie was great. But it is a D.C. movie, and when it comes to their movies they aren’t always the best. However, I was thoroughly surprised and glad that this was a great movie.

Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam

I enjoyed the coloring of the movie. It really did give off that superhero vibe. I liked the portrayals of the characters that the actors gave. The plot twists about how it was actually Black Adam’s (Dwanye Johnson) son being the true champion of Kahndaq, and that he was the one whose powers were bestowed by the gods were excellent. Furthermore, I loved the way that his son transferred those powers onto him. And because his son passed those powers onto him, it doesn’t save him when he gets killed, which is why Black Adam goes on his path of revenge. I don’t know why this film only got 45% on Rotten Tomatoes. I really enjoyed myself.

Things I Hated:

I expected the movie to be funnier considering its predecessor, Shazam was hilarious; but there was only one time where I laughed out loud. Most of the time, the cinematics were great but there were times where it was a little choppy; and when it came to the action scenes, it looked like it came straight out of a video game.

Additionally, this might be a bit of an unpopular opinion, but I wished they had picked a different person to play Black Adam. I don’t hate the guy. I think Johnson is a good enough actor, and he played the character well. I just think it would have been nice to see someone else playing this character.

They also could have done without the extra characters they added like Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo) and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell). They just didn’t bring anything to the story, except for maybe the scene when Atom Smasher made me actually laugh once in the movie.

Atom Smasher added humor to the film

TV Review: She-Hulk on Disney+

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By Andrea Alfaro

Now streaming only on Disney+, She-Hulk, becomes the next installment in the ever growing MCU franchise. 

Featuring cameos from fan favorite Marvel characters and a certain well known rapper, Meghan thee Stallion, this nine-episode series will be sure to keep you thoroughly entertained, despite its flaws.

We are first introduced to our protagonist, Jennifer Walters AKA She-Hulk, who is played by Canadian actress Tatiana Maslany. She is an LA based lawyer who just so happens to be the cousin of Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), everyone’s favorite green Avenger, Hulk. Due to a near collision with a spaceship Banner’s blood mixes with hers, prompting her transformation into a Hulk. 

After her transformation she is fired from her job due to an incident involving Titania (Priyanka Chopra), She-Hulk’s glamorous rival throughout the series. Lucky for her though she is employed to be the face of the Superhuman Law Division at GL and KH law firm. 

This new job leads to her representing past MCU villain Abomination, Emil Blonksy, (Tim Roth) in his parole hearing. He is a well known character to anyone who’s watched the Incredible Hulk movie, as he is Hulk’s past nemesis.

MCU fan favorite, Wong (Benedict Wong), also makes a cameo as both witness and client of She-Hulk. Wong is a character most recognized from the Doctor Strange movies. 

One of the most anticipated cameos however was of fellow lawyer and hero, Daredevil, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). Murdock is most known for his own series, suitably called Daredevil.

This show makes She-Hulk her very own character despite her association with the Hulk. She isn’t a rip-off of him, but instead her very own stand alone character with her own story and personality. 

However, she seems to have not been treated with the same amount of care as every other Marvel character. Many complained before the release of She-Hulk about the character herself looking horribly made and obviously CGI’d. With all the criticism one may think they would improve her character design before the release, especially with the amount of money at their disposal. Spoiler alert, they didn’t. 

This makes it obvious that this show was rushed to be released before the CGI could be properly made to be up to the standard of other Marvel shows and movies. 

To sum it all up, despite its questionable CGI, She-Hulk is a fun show that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s perfect for an audience looking for a decent comedy to binge. Some episodes can seem a bit unnecessary, but as a whole She-Hulk is a good show worthy of a chance.

Film Review: The Woman King

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By Muna Agada

Actors: Viola Davis (Nanisca), Thuso Mbedu (Nawi), Sheila Atim (Amenza), Lashana Lynch (Igozie), John Boyega (King Ghezo); Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood; Writer: Dana Stevens; Film Studio: Sony Pictures

Synopsis:

The Woman King is about a group of all female warriors in the year 1800 from the African country of Dahomey. They train to be skilled fighters in a way of combat that helps them fight an enemy who is trying to destroy their way of life. It follows a young woman named Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) who is on her journey to becoming a Dahomey warrior, after her parents disown her for not marrying the man they picked for her. The experiences she goes through is what shapes her into becoming the warrior she is by the end of the movie.

Things I liked:

While watching this movie you learn a lot. I had no idea that in Africa, women could once be warriors or rulers of countries. I thought men held all the power, so finding out something new like that was a great experience. Who says you can’t learn from movies? 

The actors in this movie were extraordinary. There was a scene where Igozige (Lashana Lynch) dies and the actress who plays Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) gave an excellent performance. She was crying her eyes out, while spit came out of her mouth. The audience could really feel that she was absolutely heartbroken. Another scene where Viola Davis (Nanisca) revealed to Nawi that she was her mother was really powerful and made me once again acknowledge the effort put in by the actors. 

Anytime companies create movies about people’s culture they have to make sure they are being real and authentic about it or it will be labeled as culturally offensive. And I know this movie was not culturally offensive, because my mother wouldn’t stop talking to me about how she grew up doing the exact same things the movie was portraying. So for them to actually take the time and study the culture speaks volumes.

Things I didn’t like:

The movie was a bit too long. There were things that it could have definitely done without. For example, the small scenes with the extra warriors could have been left out, because they were not important to the storyline, why give them that much screen time? Same thing goes to the little romance that was going on with Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) and Malik (Jordan Bolger), a mixed race Brazilian who associated himself with slave traders and owners. It was an unnecessary and a ridiculous addition to the film. The thing about Dahomey women warriors is that they cannot be with men, they stay away from them and for her to be breaking their number one rule was crazy to me. If you didn’t believe in the whole no men rule, then why be a warrior in the first place. She would act as if the rules didn’t apply to her. 

I furthermore hated how they killed off Igozie (Lashan Lynch). Killing her off didn’t add anything to the story, because the movie was almost over at the time of her death. Why not just keep her in? I will say however that her death did make me want to cry.

 Also before I watched the movie I believed it was going to be a lot more pretty and eye-catching. There was definitely color in the film, but it seemed very saturated at times. I understand they did that in order to show that it’s not exactly an upbeat movie, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed by the visuals. 

Minor Controversy:

The movie actually has a bit of controversy to it. Many members of the black community wanted to boycott it. I am aware that when you are going into the movie it says that it’s based on true events; which it is, but very loosely. Some things are going to be changed to present a certain story to the audience. And this movie was changed drastically. In the movie the Dahomey people and warriors are presented in a good light. They are essentially made to look like good people. When in reality that was not the case. The Dahomey people played a big role in the slave trade, as they were the ones capturing people and selling them to the Europeans and Americans. That is what led to it becoming a controversial film.

Film Review: Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+

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By Karissa Meno

3.5 out of 5 stars

The sequel to Hocus Pocus has been anticipated for years and is now kicking off this Halloween season, September 30th on Disney+. 

Hocus Pocus 2 is a Disney+ only special. Directed by Anne Fletcher with executive producers Adam Shankman, David Kirschner, and Ralph Winter. Production designer, Nelson Coates and set decorator, Andrew Baseman. The cast included the return of the incredible 1993 actors Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson), Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson), Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson), and introduced a new cast with Whitney Peak (Becca), Belissa Escobedo (Izzy), Lilia Buckingham (Cassie Traske), Sam Richardson (Gilbert), Tony Hale (Jefry Traske), and Froy Gutierrez (Mike).

Thirty years after the first release of Hocus Pocus in 1993, the 2022 adaptation re-introduces the Sanderson sisters to the modern world of 2022 Salem. 

Becca is a high school student who, with the accidental help of her best friend Izzy, relights the black flame candle that brings back the legendary Sanderson sisters. Throughout that Halloween night Becca, Izzy, and Cassie attempt to stop the sisters from taking revenge on Salem. 

Summary:

The story opens with the young Sanderson sisters in Salem. They struggle with the town’s residents and their close minded thinking. The sisters eventually run away seeking to escape their neighbors, who attempt to separate them. While on the run they meet a witch who peaks their interest in witchcraft. Later on you can understand that the events of 1993 have already taken place when they cut to present-day Salem. Becca and Izzy head to school Halloween morning to talk about Becca’s birthday tradition. While at school you can see the struggling friendship between Becca, Izzy, and Cassie.

Since 1993, the Sanderson sisters have become town legends, with the all knowing Gilbert running the now Sanderson tour house. Later that night, with a gift from Gilbert, Becca and Izzy have accidentally brought back the Sanderson sisters. As the siblings try to get back into old habits, Becca and Izzy show them around “new Salem”, they show the sisters modern day life, but eventually they don’t want to shift into new habits and head back to their lifestyle. Even with the conflicts between Becca and Cassie they try to gain her help to send the Sanderson sisters away.

The Opinion:

A lot of people have asked me what my opinion is on Hocus Pocus 2, the only sentence I have been able to fabricate is, “It’s actually pretty great.” Obviously sequels can’t beat the originals, but Hocus Pocus 2 is a good enough sequel to correlate with the original.

While watching it I was enjoying and appreciating the effort put in by the new and returning cast members, as well as the set designers who really made the movie visually appealing to me. It doesn’t feel like they just put something together. I got the sense that they had been planning this film for months, maybe even years. 

I was a little disappointed with the absence of a certain talking cat from the original film, Thackeray Binx, but I did enjoy seeing one particular previous cast member, Doug Jones, who reprised his role as “Billy” Butcherson. 

A particular scene where Sanderson sisters began to sing, felt a little strange; it didn’t quite sit well with me. They did sing in the original, but I felt that they were so dedicated to focusing on the story and characters in the sequel that the singing just felt out of place within the storyline. Even though some of the characters were a little cliche the movie felt more mature due to their acting and the character’s personalities. I do believe that the true Disney and Hocus Pocus fans will love and admire the sequel this Halloween season. 

This sequel’s goal was to send a message to appreciate the people you have and the power that comes with having a good group of people around you. I wasn’t entirely sure of the movie’s theme other than focusing on the Sanderson sisters’ return. The most I could interpret was the importance of having people that you connect with even through hardship. 

Hocus Pocus 2 was an overall joy and an exciting experience to watch for the first time. This movie really made me want to buy a Roomba for the fun of it (you’ll understand if this convinces you to watch it).

What an amazing start to almost everyone’s favorite month, October!

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