3 Answers2026-01-13 00:31:47
The original 'Hocus Pocus' book by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (yes, the 1993 movie was loosely based on his work!) is a wild ride about a failing writer who gets entangled with witches after moving to Salem. But the sequel, 'Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel', flips the script—it’s a YA novel by A.W. Jantha that bridges the gap between the Sanderson sisters' 1993 shenanigans and their modern-day return.
The sequel follows Poppy, a teen descendant of the original protagonist, who accidentally reawakens the witches during a school project. The book cleverly mirrors the film’s chaos but adds fresh twists, like Poppy’s struggle with her family’s witch-hunting legacy and a new coven dynamic. The tone’s lighter than Vonnegut’s satire, leaning into spooky fun with nods to fan-favorite moments (Binx’s cameo had me grinning). It’s a love letter to nostalgia while carving its own path—perfect for fans who wanted more broomstick antics without the darker edges of the original.
3 Answers2026-01-13 14:20:59
The original 'Hocus Pocus' has this nostalgic, spooky charm that feels like Halloween in a bottle—cheesy but lovable dialogue, over-the-top performances (Bette Midler devouring every scene), and that early '90s Disney Channel vibe. The sequel, 'Hocus Pocus 2,' tries to recapture it with callbacks and fan service, but it’s missing the raw, chaotic energy of the first film. The new one feels slicker, more self-aware, and leans into modern humor, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it lacks the accidental magic of the original’s imperfections. The Sanderson sisters’ return is fun, but the stakes feel lower, and the new teen characters don’t have the same chemistry as Max, Dani, and Allison. Still, it’s a decent watch for the nostalgia hit, even if it doesn’t quite measure up.
One thing the sequel does better is the coven dynamics—exploring the sisters’ backstory adds depth, and the mid-film musical number is a riot. But the original’s simplicity is its strength: a straightforward witch resurrection plot with just enough heart and humor. The sequel overcomplicates things with a 'chosen one' subplot and a rushed ending. It’s like comparing a handmade Halloween costume to a store-bought one—both have their merits, but one just feels more special.
3 Answers2026-01-13 14:38:12
I picked up 'Hocus Pocus & The All-New Sequel' on a whim, mostly because I adored the original movie as a kid. The first part of the book is a novelization of the film, which is fun but doesn't add much new material—great for nostalgia, though! The real gem is the sequel, set 25 years later. It follows Poppy, Max and Allison's daughter, and her friends as they accidentally revive the Sanderson sisters again. The writing captures the campy, spooky vibe of the original, and the new characters have their own quirks that make them endearing. It's not high literature, but it's a delightful Halloween read if you're into playful, witchy stories with a side of nostalgia.
What I appreciated most was how the sequel didn't try to replicate the original's magic exactly. It leaned into its own identity while tipping its hat to the past. The pacing drags a bit in the middle, but the climax is satisfyingly chaotic, just like the movie. If you're a fan of the franchise, it's worth checking out—just don't expect Tolkien-level depth. It's more like sipping a pumpkin spice latte: cozy, familiar, and seasonal.