Ortega, K. (Director). (Released June 4, 2002). Hocus Pocus. [Motion Picture]. United States: Walt Disney Studios.
· Plot Summary
Max Dennison and his little sister (Dani) are new in Salem, the town that has become synonymous worldwide with the idea of witchcraft. Max believes it's all a joke, especially when it comes to the legend of the Sanderson sisters, a trio executed in 1693 for sucking the life out of children. The legend goes on to say that Winifred cursed the town, and that if a virgin were to light a notorious black flame candle held in their home, the witches would return. Unable to resist the temptation of seeing the house for himself, Max breaks in with his sister, and the prettiest girl in Max's class, Allison. When Max lights the candle, and the sisters do return, it turns out to be a Halloween to remember.
· Critical Evaluation
An oddly macabre/enjoyable twist on the horrifying event that was the Salem Witch Trials. Max, Dani, and Allison must fight the Sanderson sisters in almost every corner of Salem, but the sequences at the Halloween party attended by Max's parents and the confrontation with Winifred's ex lover (Billy), are almost enough to make the movie worth watching. Best of all, Max and his fearless hunters are able to reunite Thackery Binx (who Winifred cursed into being an immortal black cat), with his little sister, Sarah.
· Reader’s Annotation
Good film for seeing how tween boys interact with their younger siblings. Max and Binx are both positive role models for boys, a rare thing in today's cinema. The young cast is gifted, and often fare better with their lines than the adults, with the possible exception of Bette Midler.
· Genre
Fantasy
· Curriculum Ties
History (Point out actual events v Hollywood dramatization)
· Booktalking Ideas
Halloween
Paranormal
Boy interests
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-14
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I've always been keenly interested in the events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, and in fact when I was able to choose the family vacation destination at age 15, Salem was one of the places I insisted we visit. The sad circumstances of the victims aside, however, Salem is a beautiful location. I wanted to see if again, and film was the only way. The scenes in this movie didn't disappoint, and the story is delightful. I plan to purchase it on DVD so it can become a part of my annual Halloween tradition.
