Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

This sequel places the Sanderson Sisters front and center, which is a mistake. What happened to the kids from the first one? Thora Birch is old enough now. Meh. It attempts to revive some of the magic from (*checks watch*) 29 years ago, but it simply survives on the charm and chemistry of its three witchy leads. Fuck the kids. There is new backstory added (to make the villains seem even less menacing), but the whole thing loses steam pretty quickly. Unfortunately, it lacks any sort of edge, stakes or endangerment, and feels more like a safe, modern Disney Channel movie. It just goes to show how things have changed in the past 30 years, and it doesn't really get me excited about new content. The movie was passable (barely), but nothing I'll remember 20 minutes from now. For fans of the original only; there will be no converts here.

Oh well, at least they got poor ol' Billy Butcherson back.

2 trips to Walgreens out of 5

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Disney's cult classic about a trio of kids accidentally unleashing a curse and battling an ancient coven of witches. This one flopped upon release but found its audience years later through a constant appraisal during the Halloween season. While this is a family-friendly comedy (with notes of darkness), it's the kind of "PG" that would automatically be considered "PG-13" by today's standards, simply because everything has gotten watered down and kids are more sheltered than ever. This is a relic of a bygone era, and one I love to revisit time and time again.

Sarah Jessica Parker has never been hotter.

3½ yabos out of 5

Flight of the Navigator (1986)

A family film about twelve-year-old David (Joey Cramer) who's forced to deal with a frightening and unexpected change in his life. The appearance of an alien ship complicates matters further for everyone involved.
It’s a coming of age story, but not in the traditional manner. I can’t say more than that for fear of spoilers. It avoids many of the clichés that usually litter this kind of feature and makes best use of some others.
Being set in a specific era means it doesn't feel overly-dated, except perhaps for some of the music.

3½ leaks out of 5

MARS ATTACKS! [1996]

As much of a hugely unfocused mess Tim Burton's sci-fi comedy Mars Attacks! is, it's still one of my top five favorite films of his.

Inspired by 1960's Topps' trading cards of the same name, the film is more of a homage than a satire of 1950's sci-fi b-movies and 1970's ensemble cast disaster films.  Beneath all the goofiness and scattered chaos is a ruthlessly funny dissection of American society and culture that ultimately hurt it's popularity in the States but was a great success in the rest of the world.  It's colorful, loud, hilarious, tremendously corny and occasionally shocking, all of which makes for one of Burton's craziest films to date.  

3 peace doves of war out of 5

Ed Wood (1994)

A ‘mostly true’ biopic of film maker Ed Wood, known affectionately as the world’s worst director. It’s one of the many Tim Burton films starring Johnny Depp, so you’ll likely know right off the bat if you’re going to love it or hate it. Depp occasionally acts like Christian Slater, which is a little irritating, but mostly he’s on fine form.
What makes the film extra special for me is Martin Landau; his performance as a crotchety old washed up horror actor is filled with a deeply tender pathos that gives the film much needed heart. Seeing him act alongside his daughter Juliet was also fun. I like her.
Is Burton’s wife in it? Yes, of course she is. Stupid question.

4 painted pie plates out of 5