The long awaited sequel of the cult classic film “Hocus Pocus” has finally arrived on Disney Plus. The film brings back Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the comedic Sanderson sisters, and brings in new faces Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo as young high schoolers Becca and Izzy, who accidentally conjure the Sanderson sisters back.

The film starts off further exploring the Sanderson sisters at a young age before they became witches. It was a fun little story that really showed how their quirkiness started. The film follows the same formula that the first film does, where the sisters are conjured up again by two virgin teens with the Black Flame Candle in the middle of a full moon. Also following the first film is the quirky havoc caused by the sisters around Salem, Massachusetts and occasionally having some moments of breaking into song, most notably Blonde’s “One Way or Another.”

The plot of the film is flawed, as it plays too safe and follows the formula of the first film instead of branching out into something new and different. The absence of Kenny Ortega as director can be felt from this. The film also has moments of stalling, where the film focuses more on the sisters than the girls who conjured them up in the first place, creating a very inconsistent pacing of the plot.

A couple things to praise are the performances. It is evident that Midler, Parker, and Najimy enjoyed reprising their roles, as every moment that they were on screen brought fun and nostalgic memories. The performances of Peak and Escobedo were formidable as well, and they may potentially see more roles in the near future.

While the movie may take the safe route plot wise, you can’t help but smile watching the movie. This is a sequel that has been awaited by many for 29 years. After so many rumors throughout the years, the fact that the sequel has finally arrived and is still played by the OG trio, makes for a fun nostalgic trip.

“Hocus Pocus 2” is far from perfect as despite the fun trip, this movie had the chance to be better than the original with the advanced graphics and cinematography we have today, and with better writing. Fans of the original film are most likely to have fun with this one, creating the same whimsical sense of feeling as the original.