Hocus Pocus 2: Revisiting for the First Time

Nostalgia is a powerful thing in entertainment, and it’s led to many long-awaited sequels hitting our screens in recent years. One prime example is Hocus Pocus 2, which finally arrived on Disney+ in 2022. Fans eagerly welcomed the return of the Sanderson Sisters after decades of waiting, and they seamlessly slipped back into their iconic roles.

I recently revisited Hocus Pocus 2 for the first time since its debut, and one thing that really caught my eye was the color palette of the movie. Unlike the vibrant hues of the original Hocus Pocus, the sequel seemed oddly muted in comparison. It almost felt like watching a Zack Snyder film at times.

While critics had mixed reactions to Hocus Pocus 2 upon its release, I personally enjoyed it both times I watched. However, the lack of vibrancy in the colors did stand out to me during my latest viewing. The colorful world of the Sanderson Sisters felt a bit toned down in this installment, especially in scenes like the Walgreens visit where the cast appeared washed out under the overhead lights.

The sequel does a great job of blending modern humor with nods to the original movie, but I can’t help but wish it had maintained the same lively color scheme as its predecessor. Perhaps this could be addressed if a Hocus Pocus 3 ever comes to be.

In recent years, there has been growing criticism about movies and TV shows being too dark to watch. Viewers complained about the darkness in episodes like “The Long Night” from Game of Thrones. Digital imaging technician Nicholas Kay mentioned the importance of TV settings, high-quality sets, proper lighting, and even creative choices when it comes to color grading in films.

While Hocus Pocus 2 is not alone in facing this color issue, the difference between the two movies was particularly noticeable to me. As a viewer, I personally prefer big, bold colors in my movies. Both Hocus Pocus films are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a potential third installment in the future!