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31 for 31 Part 22: Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus is a classic Halloween movie. It is one of the new movies that is family-friendly but still watchable for adults. There are plenty of grown-up jokes that will give the parents a laugh but that will likely go over younger viewers' heads.
The Sanderson sisters Winnie, Sarah, and Mary (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) are witches in 1600s Salem, Massachusetts. They are caught after several children fall victim to their evil quest to retain their youth. However, the three are hung, and they curse the town. They will be able to return when a virgin lights the black flame candle.
Fast-forward to the present—well, 1993. Max (Omri Dennison) and Danni (Thora Birch) have just moved to town with their parents. As Halloween approaches, Max encounters some school bullies and criticizes the local legends. He also meets and is smitten by Allison (Vinessa Shaw).
Danni coaxes Max into taking her trick or treating, and they meet Allison at her family Halloween party. She mentions the Sanderson sisters and that the home is now a museum. The trio goes to the museum, and Max accidentally lights the black flame candle.
As a result, the Sanderson sisters return to the world of the living. They seek the souls of children before the sun rises, or they will be sent back to Hell. To do so, they must find Max…