Haunt-tober 2024 is here and it’s time to dive into the macabre, the strange, and the frightful during this beloved time! Join me as I spend the month discussing new and classic films.
This delightfully silly slasher is a bout of supernatural fun. Hanky Panky doesn’t take itself too seriously but delivers sharply written humor in a delirious package.
And of course, the strange that encompasses this horror comedy.
Directed by Lindsey Haun, Nick Roth and written by Roth, this zany treat follows a group of friends in a snowy cabin, trapped while a battle of good and evil ensues.
It’s a big cast with a lot of subgenres at play, but it starts with a simple story of a man and his handkerchief.
After the unintentionally invited Sam (Jacob DeMonte-Finn), arrives, he secretly chats with his talking handkerchief, Woody (voiced by Toby Bryan) who encourages him to flirt with Diane (Ashley Holliday Tavares) one of the other guests. When something seems amiss, that very same talky (and horny) cloth, may just be what saves the day.
source: Deskpop Entertainment
The film features a quirky ensemble of characters: Carla (Christina Laskay) and her dull husband Cliff (Anthony Rutowicz), Dr. Crane (Nick Roth) wife Lilith (Azure Parsons), and the campy, incestuous siblings Rebecca (Lindsey Haun) and Norm (Toby Bryan). A suspicious neighbor (Clare Grant) who keeps returning with more baked goods (that are clearly not home made) and of course, Seth Green as Harry the Hat.
It is a spirited film that has a level of absurdity which climbs beyond what you may expect as it bounces between whodunnit, sci-fi and several horror subgenres. In many ways, this is more of a weird pick than a horror, as comedy is the strongest asset that just so happens to be accompanied by qualities found in slashers. The cast is great and are having a fantastic time making this homegrown indie. It’s just 86 minutes, and you get a battle between a top hat and a handkerchief.
Yes. You do.
While this witty yet bizarre film isn’t changing the game of horror, it is comfortable within its own unique skin. The inventiveness is admirable and the talent is on full display as this is not a film you’ll forget anytime soon.
Hanky Panky exists in its own self aware bubble that is both charming and odd as hell. You won’t see another quite like it.
Stay tuned for more Haunt-Tober!
Have you seen Hanky Panky? Let us know your thoughts!
Hanky Panky is currently streaming on Dark Matter tv!
A couple gets away to a friend’s cabin for the weekend to reconnect and spend some quality time together. Dan (Isaac Jay) and KJ (Brittany Bradford) have been having a rough time lately and they feel this may rekindle their relationship.
Not long after they arrive an uninvited guest Eliza (Gloria Bangiola) does too, putting a big crutch in their plans. She says that she was unaware it was inhabited and that she was also given the place for the weekend. Their initial skepticism is slowly put on hold as they are forced to be cordial and deal with the unexpected.
Out of kindness, and her general pushiness, they let her in, but for KJ it is especially difficult to hide her unease. Their new arrival has the kind of saccharine personality that grates but can’t really be faulted, putting them in a state of unnecessary and delicate dislocation.
source: HorrorFest International Film Festival
While never uproariously funny, Glue Trap does something even more impressive: it shows a steady hand of clever lines and subtle nods of hilarity. Justin Geldzahler’s writing is wry and engaging, and his dialogue is believable but not without a wink of cheeky goodness.
Much like Speak No Evil did previously, GlueTrap drives with discomfort first, getting under your skin with the fear of social graces and awkward conversations. Lingering, though, is another presence, that gut impression that something is not quite right here.
When it comes to the surface and motives are disclosed, there’s little time to escape.
Justin Geldzahler’s direction is confident and shows immense detail in little things, making this mostly one-location film feel bigger in scope.
I was surprised by the doses of heart that came, especially in the final act, amid horrifying circumstances and humorous musings. Some heady themes beneath the initial conceit and lovely moments of reflection made me choke up. It also captures the difficulties and dynamics in relationships, taking something familiar and placing it within an unfamiliar and horrifying premise.
To say this film grew on me as I watched it and showcased Justin Geldzahler’s excellent feature writing/directing debut would be an understatement. This doesn’t feel like a debut; it’s skillfully done with just the right pacing to make you feel the potential for survival as it slips away.
It is also a lot of fun, what you’d want and hope for when it comes to a horror/comedy. There’s an entertaining feel heightened by a wicked third-act turn.
Glue Trap is a masterful debut feature, showcasing a new and talented voice in horror.
It premiered at HorrorFest International Film Festival and will have its NYC premiere at the Big Apple Film Festival (Saturday Nov 4 at 5:30pm).
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
Monsters run amok, terrorizing a vulnerable town, and only a group of geeky youngsters can put an end to their reign. Enter 1987’s The Monster Squad.
This squad comprises a tight-knit circle of friends who share a profound fascination for the iconic Universal Monsters. Led by the charismatic Sean Crensha (played by Andre Gower), the group also includes his sister Phoebe (portrayed by Ashley Bank), whose ardent desire to participate is palpable, as well as their loyal comrades Horace, Rudy, and Eugene.
When Dracula descends upon the town, he brings with him an unholy alliance of Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolfman, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Mummy, their nefarious intentions looming large. Armed with the diary of the legendary monster hunter Dr. Van Helsing, Sean and his friends embark on a thrilling adventure to safeguard their beloved community.
source: TriStar Pictures
Directed by the talented Fred Dekker and co-written by Dekker and the renowned Shane Black, The Monster Squad may have its imperfections, but its abundance of heart and sheer enjoyment make it impossible to part ways with this film without a beaming smile. The movie effortlessly encapsulates Shane Black’s trademark witty banter and comedic brilliance, while proudly embracing the distinct aesthetics of the 1980s. Whether this nostalgic homage is viewed as a drawback or a virtue largely depends on personal taste.
Personally, I relish a touch of delightful cheesiness, particularly in a film that revolves around the audacious dreams of children battling formidable monsters.
The Monster Squad is an enchanting cinematic experience, brimming with nostalgia and punctuated by unforgettable one-liners.
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
Amazon’s recent release of the horror comedy Totally Killer reminded me of another film that deserves more recognition: TheFinal Girls.
The similarities between the two movies are actually quite astonishing. Both feature a slasher killer and incorporate an element of time travel (or something similar), as well as a young girl interacting with her mother at a similar age.
The Final Girls is original, hilarious, and uniquely fitting as both a homage to the genre and an entertaining new experience in its own right.
In many ways, The Final Girls shares the self-awareness of TheCabin in the Woods, using and playing with the tropes of the genre with comedic ease. However, it also carves out its own presence with a fresh and engaging story.
The film follows Max (played by Taissa Farmiga), who tragically loses her mother Amanda (Malin Åkerman) unexpectedly. When Max attends a screening of Camp Bloodbath, a movie her mother starred in, she finds herself transported into the 80s slasher film with her friends, where she must learn to survive alongside her mother.
Director Todd Strauss-Schulson creates a retro, horror movie-fueled world that immerses the audience and makes them feel as though they are trapped alongside the characters. The film manages to strike a balance between silliness and relatability, making TheFinal Girls a truly enjoyable experience.
source: Stage 6 Films
The supporting cast, which includes Adam DeVine, Thomas Middleditch, Alia Shawkat, Alexander Ludwig, and Nina Dobrev, adds to the film’s strength. Once in the movie, the characters realize they are trapped unless they play out the events of the film, raising the question of who will survive this time around.
The chemistry between Åkerman and Farmiga is wonderful, and their relationship is touching. This, combined with the sharp comedy, is one of the reasons why The Final Girls succeeds. The film manages to blend heart and gore in a captivating way.
The Final Girls is a hidden gem that fits delightfully well into the subgenre of horror-comedy. It features witty dialogue, entertaining gags, and an underlying sense of emotional reverence.
It is one to seek out and let yourself have fun with. Just make sure you see it to the end.
Under the direction of Ariane Louis-Seize, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person interrogates a novel premise: What if a vampire harbors an inherent distaste for consuming human blood? This unique narrative is wonderfully woven with elements of compassion, humor, and ingenuity.
The narrative orbits around the adolescent vampire, Sasha (Sara Montpetit), who finds herself wrestling with the morbid expectations of her lineage. Her vampiric pedigree necessitates a diet of human blood, yet she finds herself at odds with this gruesome reality. Especially when it comes to taking a life.
From the first frame, I was instantly drawn in by the film’s quirky introduction. Sasha forms an unexpected emotional connection with a clown at her birthday party, oblivious to the fact that he was intended to be her inaugural feast, a tradition anticipated by her vampire kin.
The film deftly navigates the tumultuous waters of emotional trauma and compassion. Sasha’s father (Steve Laplante) exhibits empathy for her quandary, while her mother (Sophie Cadieux) insists on adherence to their vampiric tradition. Sasha’s refusal to succumb to her nature threatens her existence, leading her to find solace in meetings for individuals coping with depression. Upon crossing paths with the suicidal teenager, Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard), Sasha perceives a potential resolution.
Their relationship evolves into an unconventional alliance, with Sasha striving to circumvent the necessity of ending his life. She posits the fulfillment of a final wish – to retaliate against his oppressor, Henry.
Despite some of the macabre elements, it exudes an endearing sweetness, effortlessly dismantling the barriers of societal norms. It encapsulates the essence of adolescent romanticism and life’s tribulations through a lens of humor and poignant commentary.
source: Toronto International Film Festival
The film’s subdued color palette aligns with its tonal subtleties, while the remarkable performances of the young leads imbue the narrative with a sense of depth.
This melancholic dark comedy breathes new life into the vampire subgenre and emerged as an unexpected gem at this year’s festival, which I found utterly captivating.
Christine Doyon‘s script is a triumphant display of wit and deadpan humor. Sophie Cadieu delivers a stellar performance, her stoic resolve gradually unveiling a captivating expressiveness.
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person intertwines elements of romance and a profound exploration of humanity. The film is a heartwarming and inventive cinematic experience that offers a refreshing deviation from conventional vampire narratives, proving both enthralling and unforeseen.
Simultaneously presenting a tale of supernatural creatures and an exploration of the human psyche, it leaves a lasting impression.
With an artful blend of dark comedy, fantasy, romance, and humanistic exploration, it’s a beacon of inventive filmmaking and is certain to delight discerning viewers.
Let’s breathe new life into familiar tropes or rather… get some fresh blood.
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person had its premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Alright, beasties. It’s that time of year again. For this edition of Haunt-tober, I’m going to do a post a day but, like a great haul after trick or treating, I’m hoping to mix it up and deliver some surprises. There’ll be reviews, new or old, seen/unseen, TV or film. Depending on my wicked mood, there may also be lists, audio, or video. I hope you’ll enjoy it and remember: stay weird.
One of my most anticipated films of the year has finally arrived digitally and I was able to experience the unforgettable, and one of the more creative of the 2022 horrors: Barbarian.
It’s always smart to use an aspect of the current climate as fodder for scares, and in the day and age where Airbnb’s are commonly booked, it’s got its finger right on our pulse. And yes, Barbarian ratches up our heart rates.
source: 20th Century Studios
Could there be something worse than booking a house for the night only to arrive and have it already occupied by another? Well, yes, yes there certainly is, which we will get to, but even that is terrifying in and of itself.
When Tess (Georgina Campbell) arrives it’s late, pouring rain and she just wants to settle in. But, the key isn’t in the lockbox and the person she booked with isn’t answering. Then a light comes on, and opening the door is Keith (Bill Skarsgård) who also paid and secured the room on a different, similar site.
The predicament has Tess on edge, rightfully so, and she almost leaves and finds somewhere else to stay. Maybe it’s Keith’s charm or the fact that he has an answer or solution, for all of her concerns, but she ends up staying the night with her in the bedroom and him on the couch.
There’s most definitely an element played up here that keeps the audience on edge, suspecting, unsure who we can trust or what is happening, but just accepting the truth that this is most definitely going to get dark. The two have a great rapport, and bond over some wine, and there’s even a sense that maybe these two could have a real connection. If, they both have a future that is.
The next day’s light shows the neighborhood in Detroit that she’s in is completely dilapidated, with this being the only home still standing. Coincidence? Not likely.
source: 20th Century Studios
AJ (Justin Long) is an actor in LA that seems to be on top of the world until he’s accused of rape by a coworker. His life quickly unravels and his finances dwindle so he heads to Detroit to liquidate a property he owns. Can you guess which one? When he arrives and notices that it looks like someone has been staying there (or two) he investigates.
I’m not going to give much more plot detail than that, but I will say that there’s something sinister that resides below. Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long are all fantastic. Long despite being a rather dislikable tool at times, is absolutely hilarious (he always is) adding some lovely humor to color this grim, strange story with occasional laughter.
Writer/director Zach Cregger employs a lot of misdirection and ensuresthat Barbarian isquite surprising at every turn.
Certainly, Barbarian is one of our best treats this season with ample mystery and pure entertainment value. It’s what you’re looking for, even if you don’t know quite what that entails, but the set design, acting, and perverse, disturbing twists, make Barbarian a worthwhile discovery. Just bring a flashlight.
Alright, beasties. It’s that time of year again. For this edition of Haunt-tober, I’m going to do a post a day but, like a great haul after trick or treating, I’m hoping to mix it up and deliver some surprises. There’ll be reviews, new or old, seen/unseen, TV or film. Depending on my wicked mood, there may also be lists, audio, or video. I hope you’ll enjoy it and remember: stay weird.
I remember the first time I tried describing this film to my parents as I recommended it for a watch. This sci-f/horror comedy is not an easy one to lay out with a straight face. It’s also not one that writer/director James Gunn may be precisely known for, but it is one that I immediately think of because I have fond and hilarious memories tied to it.
In the small quaint town of Wheelsy, something out of this world (a meteorite) has just landed in the woods.
Starla Grant (Elizabeth Banks) and Grant Grant (Michael Rooker), are married but struggling. One night, when with another woman, he comes across a strange substance in the woods, and it takes him over. From there, well, I’ll just say, hell hath landed.
source: Universal Pictures
Local sheriff Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion), Stella’s past love, is at the forefront of investigating some strange behavior, but nobody could expect the grotesque truth that is waiting. What Grant is now, is something that wants to feed, and this small town is here for the picking.
Slither is a blast. It’s funny and absurd, disgusting and a slimy mess, but really gives homage to the B horror movies of the past. I’d recognize this as a cult film for sure because it is so over the top and uses its inspirations wisely. Some of the edits mixed with music are just the kind of horror comedy I look for. As the creature that was once Grant Grant grows (and inherits a sort of hive mind), so does the ridiculous plot, ensuring, at the very least, some laughs.
Everyone involved is enjoying themselves, and some of the jokes and remarks about the outrageousness of the circumstances make it even more hilarious. Is it spectacular? No, but it is inventive in its own right. It also has some underlying themes of toxic masculinity and possessiveness. Michael Rooker is fantastically creepy, and the script never wavers from making each scene ripe with discomfort, before being followed by a laugh. Also, the practical effects are really worth a cheer.
Slither is inherently weird, and if that’s your sort of thing, and you want a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is one hell of a time.
Alright, beasties. It’s that time of year again. For this edition of Haunt-tober, I’m going to do a post a day but, like a great haul after trick or treating, I’m hoping to mix it up and deliver some surprises. There’ll be reviews, new or old, seen/unseen, TV or film. Depending on my wicked mood, there may also be lists, audio, or video. I hope you’ll enjoy it and remember: stay weird.
“Hell is a teenage girl.”
I have always had mixed feelings about Jennifer’s Body. I walked away from it the first time thinking the characters were obnoxious to a degree that annoyed me, and the dialogue seemed tacky.
However, after watching it more than once it grew on me, and while I still think some of these things are true, I also think that it’s an intentional thing and that the overall style is pretty unique. It most definitely screams writer Diablo Cody‘s signature voice, but Karyn Kusama‘s biting satiric horror-comedy is most definitely a vibe, it’s its own brand.
source: 20th Century Fox
Needy (and nerdy) (Amanda Seyfriend) and Jennifer (the school-known hot girl) (Megan Fox) are best friends in the town of Devil’s Kettle. When an indie band comes to town who are -to say in Jennifer speak- salty morsels, what begins as a fun trip to the bar turns into a massacre and a sacrifice. But, these Devil-worshippers make a valuable mistake in assuming she’s a virgin, turning Jennifer into a high school boy-eating demon.
It’s obvious that this is trying to fill the 2000’s slot for a Heather’s-eque teenage dark comedy. This goes much further into the horror element, and it’s probably my favorite aspect of the film. When Jennifer is her flesh-eating newly developed demon self, the story is more compelling than its snarkiness. Even though some of the jokes are quite clever, others, just cringe.
This is probably Megan Fox’s best outing. The supporting cast, which includes J.K. Simmons and Adam Brody (as the perfectly menacing and comical lead singer), are all terrific additions and have some of the funniest lines. Fox and Seyfried have a good rapport, with an ample mixture of jealousy and resentment buried beneath all their years as besties. The incident makes the band rise to fame with a song that becomes the high school’s anthem. Even worse, it is actually catchy, and this writer will now be stuck with it for days once more.
Sometimes I think Jennifer’s Body bites off a bit more flesh than it can chew. It becomes, like Jennifer, greedy when it works and overextends some of its flexes. That being said, there’s a charm in the details and the originality, even if the combo of horror and comedy doesn’t always mesh.
Bonus points to the satisfying end credits sequence.
Alright, beasties. It’s that time of year again. For this edition of Haunt-tober, I’m going to do a post a day but, like a great haul after trick or treating, I’m hoping to mix it up and deliver some surprises. There’ll be reviews, new or old, seen/unseen, TV or film. There may also be lists, audio, or video, depending on my wicked mood. I hope you’ll enjoy it and remember: stay weird.
As this film was discussed on a podcast with my other film site, it made me realize that it was really quite the faux pas that I hadn’t yet discussed as such a seminal film in my young childhood foray into the genre. Which film am I referring to? Of course one from the iconic Peter Jackson! It’s got a zombie-esque Sumatran rat-monkey, so much of a delightful comedic center, and plenty of gore, it’s almost a crime not to discuss.
Dead Alive (also known as Brain Dead) was a film I saw as a kid, and its absurd unrelenting dive into bloody and outrageous horror, combining stop motion, gross-out moments, strange humor, and copious amounts of blood, won me over.
source: ORO Films
Dead Alive is in many ways, an embodiment of my intro to horror, this was a movie I watched with my immediate family, extended family, and then family friends, because it was just so memorable that I had to share it. Haven’t seen it? Here you go! It feels like a staple of its time, and it is also it just so iconic, that it can’t be mentioned.
Dead Alive follows the earnest Lionel Cosgrove (Timothy Balme) who wants to appease his mother, not unlike Norman Bates, but is also looking for love, and he’s found it in Paquita Maria Sanchez (Diana Peñalver) who is looking for it directly from her grandmother’s predictions. It isn’t a perfect fairy tale match, but these two are destined in some way. From here, there is a monkey bite from human bite to bite, with numerous victims, and suddenly Lionel has a basement of zombie-like compadres.
As LOTR’s may be Peter Jackson’s magnum opus (thus far) this was an early ode to comical, bloody fun. This is a zombie classic with limbs falling off (into soup no less), a lawnmower as a weapon, and sweet, sweet, romance. Oh, and a rapid rat monkey that’s out for blood. Don’t get too close. It’s got this grainy, b-horror vibe that reminds me of my first VHS watch (yes I’m dating myself). I personally find that comforting. There’s also an undeniable effervescent energy to it that bounces from scene to scene.
It’s got mayhem and it doesn’t shy from its full frontal crimson-stained attack. This is complete camp, absolute gore, and entirety a love letter to horror in all of its generational and various forms. This is both nostalgic and also just plain fun from a stellar director who clearly had a blast working on it.
Dead Alive has killer effects, and eccentric hilarity, and thrives through Jackson’s passion. This is a must-see for any horror-comedy fan.
Dead Alive is currently available on VOD (finally)
Alright, beasties. It’s that time of year again. For this edition of Haunt-tober, I’m going to do a post a day but, like a great haul after trick or treating, I’m hoping to mix it up and deliver some surprises. There’ll be reviews, new or old, seen/unseen, TV or film. Depending on my wicked mood, there may also be lists, audio, or video. I hope you’ll enjoy it and remember: stay weird.
Yesterday we received a sequel to Hocus Pocus, the family-friendly Halloween classic. This was a film that I saw young, of course, and while there’s really nothing scary about this movie (except for maybe getting your brand new kicks stolen by bullies) I figured I’d start with a movie that is often a staple for any fall viewings. Also, I’m hoping we can get creepier as the month goes on and we grow closer to All Hallow’s Eve. I saw the original when I was six, and now we are finally getting a sequel. How will it land? Let’s see…
Hocus Pocus (Kenny Ortega)
Let’s be honest here. Hocus Pocus is no sweet treat to cinema. It’s silly, it’s childish, but, it’s also one of those films that seems to have grown in fandom since its release, and has become more beloved with each new Halloween season. Personally, I wanted to just hang out with a talking cat (yes, I also loved Sabrina as a child) but I also felt charmed by the humor that didn’t take itself too seriously. Also, the first is, well, so 90s.
A couple of years ago I also visited Salem and saw some of the filming locations, which is a thing I love to do anywhere I travel, and it reminded me of the ambiance of the area and the season,and Hocus Pocus is most definitely an atmosphere. Fall has arrived!
source: Walt Disney Pictures
For those who haven’t seen here’s the lowdown:
It’s Halloween, 1693. Three sisters known as the Sanderson Sisters, evil witches who yearn to trick and consume the energy of children, are witnessed taking the sister of one Thackery Binx. Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy) in turn change Thackery into an immortal cat and are then hanged. Before they perish they make a curse that if a virgin lights the black flame during a full moon on Hallow’s Eve, they will be brought back.
Enter the virgin. Max Dennison (Omri Katz) has just moved to town and is forced to take his sister Dani (Thora Birch) out trick or treating. Along with his new crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw) the three visit the old Sanderson house, now a museum, and because nothing “bad” ever happens from lighting a candle, Max, a nonbeliever, brings forth the witches. From there it’s up to them to stop the evil they’ve unleashed before the children of Salem fall victim to it.
Hocus Pocus has a lot of scenes and jokes that fall a little flat, feel a little outdated, or are just truly appreciated by the young at heart. Luckily, the delightful innocence and sense of fun that the cast has, and the inevitable well-intentioned Halloween excitement comes through. Some children may be scared by elements, (such as sucking the life out of kids) so that’s not to be disregarded. However, for me, I found The Witches to be the superior, and scarier, of the time period.
As with any movie that you saw when you were young and then see later with your thinking, analytical hat on, it can sometimes be askew. I have no preconceived ideas that Hocus Pocus is high quality and doesn’t have some moments that haven’t aged well, but as a freeze frame of early 90s seasonal viewing, there’s the kid inside that is reminded of the joy of Halloween, and of spooky legends. And that kid, mixed with the adult one that is still very much a lover of the oddities of life and film, holds a fondness for its kooky, campy vibe.
Hocus Pocus 2 (Anne Fletcher)
As with any sequel that has a cult following Hocus Pocus 2 leans heavily into the nostalgia and aims to work its magic mostly on what’s already been previously cast.
After a quick intro to the sister’s childhood, including a run-in with Hannah Waddingham (seriously underused here), we fast forward. It’s modern Hallow’s eve, and Salem is -of course- in full spirit, including a lesson on the Sanderson sisters by store owner Gilbert (Sam Richardson) where their magic spell book is locked up.
On her 16th birthday, Becca (Whitney Peak) and her friend Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) light a candle, bringing forth, once again, the sisters.
source: Walt Disney Studios
It’s always funny when someone out of time steps into our world and is immersed in things that, without prior knowledge, seem quite strange. An early gag has the sisters consuming face creams thinking they are potions of children’s souls. This and many other jokes garner a “heh.” There are a lot of similarities to the first including musical numbers, teens trying to save the town, and even Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones). Can we stop for a second and praise Doug Jones? Yes, he rocks.
Anyway, after they get the book back the sisters force Gilbert to help him and curse him. From there he works with Billy to gather the materials they need for their spell.
There are a lot of easter eggs sure to make fans smile, and there are plenty of comical commonalities like the vacuum cleaner in replace of a broom for Mary, except now it’s Roombas. One of the main differences in this sequel is that one of the teenage girls is herself a witch, which adds an interesting dynamic. I wish they leaned into that story a bit more instead of focusing on repeating history.
The self-aware humor is more evident here, and the stakes, somehow, feel less than in the original (which already felt slim). There are some fun easter eggs, and I love seeing that it was shot in Salem again. Also, do these women ever age? However, I was a little let down by the impact of the sequel in comparison to the first. Obviously the first of a film series is always going to have the discovery factor, but this is one of those times where that really made a difference. Also, one spoiler I will say to my chagrin, no talking cat. 😦
I know that there are many huge fans out there that were calling for a remake. I understand a lot of people will love this and think it is a great follow-up. For me, it’s one of those moments where I wonder if we needed it, but also, how much can we really expect? It wasn’t a bore, and there are things I liked, but mostly I didn’t feel a tingly witchy moment. Yes, it gave me a nostalgic wave, but it didn’t suffice that itch as much as I would have hoped.
Will this film have the love the first does in nearly 30 years? Maybe not, but only time will tell. Either way, I’d recommend it to any fan of Hocus Pocus, just don’t expect too much magic.
Wonderfully Weird & Horrifying 