Hocus Pocus 2

This messy but affectionate sequel to Disney's 1993 cult comedy serves up a lively brew of nostalgia, camp humour, and Halloween cosplay. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy return as the Sanderson sisters, 17th-century witches revived in present day by unwitting teenagers. Haplessly, the sorceresses attempt to wreak revenge on Salem, the town that banished them centuries earlier, while navigating the perils of the 21st century - robot vacuum cleaners, Alexa and all. Aided by John Debney's brassy score, director Anne Fletcher makes light work of a slight story, which incorporates sly jokes about Halloween commercialism and patriarchal fears of girls growing up. The likeable younger leads (including Whitney Peak) are faintly wasted with underwritten roles, but Tony Hale brings goofball comic value as the town mayor. And Midler, Parker and Najimy display enough effervescence to make cameoing drag queens appear understated. From spells to songs, Hocus Pocus 2 emerges as a fond tribute to the original film, played with a knowing wink.