Salem, Massachusetts, Halloween, 1693. Three evil witches, Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson, use a magic spell book to sap the lifeforce out of little Emily Binx to make them young, and turn her brother Thackery into an immortal black cat. The villagers hang the witches, but they prophesy that should a virgin ever light their blackflamed candle, they will return to life.
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Hocus Pocus should offer a resurrection to the flagging career of Bette Midler, which was badly wounded by the flop For The Boys and the missed opportunity of starring in Sister Act. Back on divine form here, this star vehicle showcases her real talents for burlesque comedy and lung-straining musical numbers. Her version of Screaming Jay Hawkins "I Put a Spell on You" doesnt bury the original so much as transform it into a Broadway show-stopper, complete with sister witches Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy singing back-up. There are only afew more songs in the film, but it still has a strong musical comedy flavour which will particularly appeal to parents. "Oh no, I think Ive left the cauldron on!" cries Bette/Winifred, just as the sisters are about to be hanged. Director Kenny Ortegas background as a choreographer must have been an asset here. Like the films ball-goers, bewitched to dance all night, he never lets the pace flag.
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