Hocus Pocus

It is an enjoyable watch and a decent bit of entertainment, although maybe it functions better as a small-screen discovery for its devoted fanbase.

Yes, it's the old teens-warn-the-townfolk-but-no-one-believes-them trick. This time, it's not quite a treat.

It's a veritable bagful of box office treats.

Though children may be satisfied (if the witch stuff doesn't scare them) adults will have a harder time with the by-the-numbers confrontations between the witches and the plucky youths.

Dreadful.

Hocus Pocus is harmless, but it's about as much fun as celebrating Mardi Gras under the influence of candy corn.

Hocus Pocus walks a fine line, where we get to enjoy witchy glee but also feel real emotions about their victims.

The main premise opens the door to all manner of dark magic and supernatural shenanigans, yet few of them leave any impression at all.

This sloppily written, egregiously unfunny Halloween comedy about three Stooges-esque witches somehow became a beloved holiday tradition.

As a freeze frame of early 90s seasonal viewing, there's the kid inside that is reminded of the joy of Halloween, and of spooky legends. And it holds a fondness for its kooky, campy vibe.