Hocus Pocus 2
Hocus Pocus 2 is a fantasy comedy film that serves as a sequel to the beloved 1993 classic. It brings back the infamous Sanderson Sisters, three eccentric witches, who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem. The narrative centers on a new trio of high school students who must unite to prevent the witches from unleashing their dark magic and causing chaos on Halloween night. The film aims to capture the nostalgic charm of the original while introducing contemporary elements and themes of friendship, sisterhood, and female solidarity. The movie carries a PG rating and is generally intended for audiences of pre-teens, teenagers, and adult fans of the first film. It maintains a balance between spooky fun and comedic antics, but parents should note the significant presence of witchcraft and occult themes, some suggestive humor, mild instances of fantasy violence, and displays of disrespectful behavior. The pervasive magical elements, both lighthearted and dark, are central to the plot and may be a key consideration for families with particular religious or moral viewpoints.
Concerns
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and occult themes are central, explicit, and pervasive throughout the film. The plot revolves entirely around dark magic, spellcasting, rituals, and the explicit portrayal of the Sanderson Sisters as evil beings who worship Satan.
The Sanderson Sisters are unequivocally depicted as evil witches who 'worship Satan' and utilize 'dark magic' with the goal of 'destroy[ing] all of Salem's citizens' and consuming children's souls. The protagonists, Becca and Izzy, perform a 'ritual for blessings' involving an invocation to the pagan 'Triple Goddess' (Maiden, Mother, and Crone) and light a Black Flame Candle, which resurrects the witches. A magic shop, owned by Gilbert, sells 'replica occult items and New Age products, such as crystals,' and Gilbert is described as 'practically worshipping the Sanderson Sisters.' The witches actively seek to complete a powerful spell that requires the 'blood of their enemy,' leading to Winifred nicking Cassie's neck for a drop of blood.
Anti-Christian Themes
HighThe film's core premise and actions of its central antagonists directly conflict with Christian tenets. This includes explicit references to Satan worship by the witches, the use of dark magic, and frequent irreverent use of God's name.
Reviewers explicitly state that the Sanderson Sisters 'worship Satan' and actively use 'dark magic' to achieve their evil goals. The film includes a scene where protagonists Becca and Izzy perform a 'ritual for blessings' to a pagan 'Triple Goddess' (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). A young Winifred Sanderson brags about 'taking the Lord's name in vain twice,' and the repeated and casual misuse of God's name throughout the movie is highlighted as 'blasphemy' and a 'blatant disregard for the sanctity of His name' by reviewers.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film includes visible LGBTQ representation and elements that have been interpreted by fan communities as implicitly queer, building on the original's status as a 'gay icon' film. While not explicit in romance, these elements contribute to the film's diverse representation.
The movie features a gay couple watching the original *Hocus Pocus* on television. Additionally, popular drag queens Ginger Minj, Kornbread Jeté, and Kahmora Hall appear in the film, portraying impersonations of the Sanderson Sisters during a Halloween costume contest. Fan communities have also discussed the lead characters Becca, Izzy, and Cassie, interpreting their close friendship dynamics, particularly Becca's aversion to Cassie's boyfriend, as suggestive of 'baby gay' or 'lesbian ex behavior.'
Violence
MediumThe film contains comedic fantasy violence, but also includes darker, more intense elements such as repeated threats of child consumption, implied executions, and magical attacks. While not graphically bloody, the intent and depiction of harm are present.
The Sanderson Sisters frequently vocalize their intent to kill and consume the souls of children. A flashback scene depicts the young Sanderson Sisters with nooses around their necks, followed by a shot showing their legs dangling, implying their hanging. Winifred Sanderson uses her long, sharp nails to nick Cassie's neck to obtain a drop of blood for a spell. The resurrected zombie, Billy Butcherson, has his head comically pulled off at one point, with his body continuing to move independently, which some may find unsettling.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe movie features suggestive humor, particularly surrounding discussions of virginity, and some characters wear revealing attire. There is no explicit sexual content or graphic nudity.
After the legend of the Black Flame Candle (which requires a virgin to light it) is explained, a child asks an adult what a 'virgin' is. The adult responds with an awkward and incorrect explanation, later stating he couldn't light the candle because he isn't a virgin, which 'grosses out' the teenagers present. Sarah Sanderson's costume frequently exposes her garters and cleavage. A woman attending a Halloween party is seen wearing a 'risqué Madonna costume,' similar to one in the original film.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes mild profanity, primarily consisting of the frequent misuse of God's name. While other curse words are rare, the repeated irreverent use of sacred terms contributes to a higher concern level.
A young Winifred Sanderson explicitly boasts about having 'taken the Lord's name in vain twice.' Reviewers note that God's name is 'repeatedly and casually misused throughout the rest of the film,' with one counting 'over 15 uses' of 'Oh g-d' and 'oh my g-d.' The word 'd@mn' is reportedly used once in the film.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains jump scares, unsettling imagery, and intense threats from the antagonist witches, which may be frightening or disturbing for younger or sensitive viewers. While not graphic horror, the suspenseful elements are present.
The Black Flame Candle dramatically sparks and shakes, a crack appears in the ground forming a 'large, glowing devil's pitchfork,' and the witches appear shouting 'Lock up your children!'. The witches explicitly threaten to 'brew up a potion, steal their souls and kill any teenagers they see.' A zombie character rises from his grave, and while his head being pulled off is played for laughs, the visual can be unsettling for young children. Flashbacks show young Winifred being banished and facing a witch who attempts to 'suck the life out of Winnie,' creating tense moments.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe movie features instances of teenage rebellion and mild disrespect towards parental figures and among peers. The protagonists engage in defiant acts and display attitudes of immaturity and sarcasm.
Cassie, one of the teenage protagonists, throws a Halloween party despite her father, Mayor Traske, having 'specifically forbade it.' Some teenagers are depicted as being 'rude about their friend's mom' and exhibiting 'mean' behavior towards each other. The main teenage characters (Becca, Izzy, and Cassie) are described by one reviewer as acting like 'immature and spoiled teenagers through most of the film.'
Substance Use
LowSubstance use is minimal and largely implied rather than explicitly shown. It primarily occurs in the context of a teenage party where alcohol consumption is suggested but not confirmed.
Teenagers are shown attending an unsupervised Halloween party where 'yellow Solo cups' are visible. However, it is explicitly stated that it is 'unclear if their yellow Solo cups contain alcohol or not.' There are no depictions of illegal drug use or overt intoxication.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 9-10 and up. The film is rated PG for "action, macabre/suggestive humor and some language." While much of the content is presented with comedic intent, the central and pervasive themes of dark witchcraft, explicit discussions of virginity, frequent misuse of God's name, and potentially unsettling fantasy violence may be more suitable for children with a higher level of maturity and discernment.
Additional Notes
Hocus Pocus 2 largely maintains the tone and themes of its predecessor, amplifying some of the occult elements. While it aims for comedic scares, the pervasive nature of witchcraft and the dark intentions of the Sanderson Sisters are central to the plot. Parents should be prepared for discussions surrounding paganism, the occult, and implied sexual humor. The film's messaging on friendship and female solidarity is positive, but it is set within a morally complex framework.
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