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I couldn’t do this blog without covering Hocus Pocus, but I’m going to say it - Hocus Pocus was too long… wonderful, an absolute classic worthy of a yearly watch, but it was 25 minutes too long.
Let’s just get this out of the way - the “false win” when the kids return to Dani & Max’s house with Binx up to the final fight in the cemetery could (should, IMO) have been cut.
That said, Hocus Pocus truly deserves its cult status, but why? Why is Hocus Pocus a revered classic while Casper is not (here’s my hot take on Casper)?
I have two answers.
The nerdy, screenwriter answer comes down to storytelling basics - it has a strong BMOC - definitive beginning, middle, and conclusion with closure - and its super stylish villains literally kill children. The rest is just fun layers to solidify its place in the hearts of many 90s kids.
The other reason this movie is a classic, I believe, is the same reason Dan Aykroyd or John Belushi said The Blues Brothers was so popular - it’s an easy Halloween costume.
Overachievers will work all year on their Sanderson Sisters costumes to get all the details while slackers will throw a slice of red / green / purple on a witch costume, grab a broom / mop / vacuum, and don the appropriate Sister’s expression. Either way, you’ve got yourself a contest winning costume.
Speaking of which, those costumes are 17th century couture fashion. Big gowns, fishnet sleeves, striped stockings! My personal favorite consists of Mary’s dress, Winnie’s stockings & rings, and Sarah’s cape.
Max’s wardrobe is upstaged by everyone, including Jay & Ice whose 1993 fashion victim statement screams American suburbs.
Allison is by far the coolest character next to Dani. I like to believe there’s an alternate version of Hocus Pocus where Allison and Dani are sisters who get mixed up with Max when he lights the black candle and spend the rest of the movie trying to save the day while Allison is the real hero.
Anywho, Allison’s wardrobe is so indicative to her badass personality, starting with her red riding hood coat when she hands Max his own number back. Even her old timey Halloween costume is cool, but let’s be real and appreciate that she saves Salem, Mass wearing a cardigan and jeans while waving a container of Morton Salt. This is my kind of hero.
Finally, the adult Halloween party set unrealistic expectations of Halloween parties for me as a kid, but maybe I haven’t been to the right one (if you’re ever throwing a Halloween party on this level, please be sure to invite me). The band with skeleton makeup is cliche, but always a hit and the costumes (thank you Disney clearance team) are so good, but the winner for best costume is clearly Mom as Madonna.
Honorable mention goes to Thackery Binx in his billowy pirate shirt and short pants lounge wear.
