When I was young I watched HOCUS POCUS so often, my mother banned it from the house for about a month. That didn’t stop me from channel flipping, knowing I could catch glimpses of it on the Disney Channel, lingering a bit, and quickly changing the channel when my mom noticed what was happening. Now the film is considered a Halloween staple. My youthful obsession has been vindicated.
The film cast me in its spell, then and now, because of its larger-than-life protagonists. Each Sanderson sister has her own contribution to making their spells work. Winifred (Bette Midler) embodies bravado and sarcasm — she is brains and power. Mary (Kathy Najimy) is simple-minded and clumsy — she is the brawn. Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) is the sexy, alluring one who uses her enchanting qualities to trick others into helping them.
Though on paper these traits are pretty reductive stereotypes of women, each actress exudes such joy in her role that flat characterization becomes campy genius. One of the film’s most memorable sequences involves Winnie performing a rendition of “I’ll Put A Spell on You” at a costume party. With Mary and Sarah as perfectly choreographed backup singers, Winnie becomes the life of the party. Midler launches full force into the song and dance routine, her eyes twinkling with delight, and her voice belting the final notes with gusto.
The film is rife with electric scenes like these — even the trio huffing down a street in unison plays out like a charming spectacle. If not for the nostalgia, the film is a must-see for its spellbinding performances.
— Diana Martinez, Film Streams Education Director
