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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
I wanted to love this.. I would have settled for enjoying it. But this….is a mess.
The first part is a novelization if the film. I didn't read the whole thing. Most of it was literal descriptions of the scenes. The other parts were so underdone that they were pointless. But if I hadn't basically memorized this film from childhood, it was still an enjoyable story, so I'd give this part 4 or even 5 stars.
The second part is the sequel. Basically any insult that Winnifred said was terribly irritating. I don't believe she would have said any of them. The other items as brooms schtick fell very flat. I mean using a leaf blower or a Roomba? I didn't mind the witches discovering the phones but I thought it was a stretch that they would call people to put a spell on them versus flying and singing to the masses. The final “battle” dragged on forever. I would have liked to have had their mother fleshed out more.
There was a whole part dedicated to a musical number that really made no sense. Yes. A musical number.
I enjoyed seeing Emily and Thackary but they didn't fully seem themselves.
There was this whole thing where the parents were sent to hell but literally no mention of what it was like or then having any scars from being there.
The best part was probably Dani’s character, because she felt the most like the original.
I did enjoy Poppy and Isabella's relationship and that it was never questioned or used as a reason for bullying.
There was a weird cliff hanger that I really hope doesn't mean there's going to be a series.
The first part is a novelization if the film. I didn't read the whole thing. Most of it was literal descriptions of the scenes. The other parts were so underdone that they were pointless. But if I hadn't basically memorized this film from childhood, it was still an enjoyable story, so I'd give this part 4 or even 5 stars.
The second part is the sequel. Basically any insult that Winnifred said was terribly irritating. I don't believe she would have said any of them. The other items as brooms schtick fell very flat. I mean using a leaf blower or a Roomba? I didn't mind the witches discovering the phones but I thought it was a stretch that they would call people to put a spell on them versus flying and singing to the masses. The final “battle” dragged on forever. I would have liked to have had their mother fleshed out more.
There was a whole part dedicated to a musical number that really made no sense. Yes. A musical number.
I enjoyed seeing Emily and Thackary but they didn't fully seem themselves.
There was this whole thing where the parents were sent to hell but literally no mention of what it was like or then having any scars from being there.
The best part was probably Dani’s character, because she felt the most like the original.
I did enjoy Poppy and Isabella's relationship and that it was never questioned or used as a reason for bullying.
There was a weird cliff hanger that I really hope doesn't mean there's going to be a series.
the first half was meh. pretty typical recap of the movie in written form, but the second half was a lot of fun. I liked the twists, the diversity and the fact that it wasnt just a rehash of the original.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Good witchy, Halloween vibes from both books.
Hocus Pocus: This is one instance where I think I preferred the movie to the book. The quirkiness of the characters is present in the writing, but it's not as prominent as it was in the movie.
All New Sequel: I loved the diversity of the characters in the Sequel (which had both LGBTQ+ and Black representation). And I thought the character development was more pronounced in this one.
One thing I will note... In both halves of the book, the writing and scenarios seemed better suited for a Middle Grade audience than YA. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good Middle Grade book, but I almost think that this one would have been more believable if the high schoolers were actually middle schoolers (but it's Disney, so I guess they are erring on the side of caution).
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The original story of Hocus Pocus (1st half) I really loved, the second half which is the version 25 years later, uggg. It was so long and drawn out. I didn’t like it at all and would not recommend. My hope is that the new movie will be nothing like it. Very poor job with the story, it had no real grit. It dragged on and you almost feel dizzy going from here to there with nothing being accomplished. It literally could have been a 30 page retelling. To each their own, not my cup of tea and will not be a reread.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Part 1: yay.
Part 2: nay.
Halloween isn't complete unless I watch Hocus Pocus every year, so naturally I was excited to read this before the new sequel comes out.
Part 1 was a faithful retelling of the movie we all know and love, with the added perk of getting to know a little bit more behind Max's inner thoughts and motivations. I felt that his relationship with his sister Dani really came through a lot more in the book.
I wanted to love part 2... but I found it a bit sappy. At times, I felt the author was trying too hard to be funny and contemporary. The dialogue between characters felt forced and inauthentic. Some of the plot points felt forced, and underdeveloped. I was glad to read a book with such a diverse cast of characters though.
Part 2: nay.
Halloween isn't complete unless I watch Hocus Pocus every year, so naturally I was excited to read this before the new sequel comes out.
Part 1 was a faithful retelling of the movie we all know and love, with the added perk of getting to know a little bit more behind Max's inner thoughts and motivations. I felt that his relationship with his sister Dani really came through a lot more in the book.
I wanted to love part 2... but I found it a bit sappy. At times, I felt the author was trying too hard to be funny and contemporary. The dialogue between characters felt forced and inauthentic. Some of the plot points felt forced, and underdeveloped. I was glad to read a book with such a diverse cast of characters though.
adventurous
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really enjoyed this book for the most part. Some parts were a bit slow and could have been better.
I gave this two stars for pure nostalgia reading the first half of the book which is, more or less, just like the movie save for a few minor things added or changed. The second half of the book follows Max and Allison’s daughter, Poppy, as she and her friends resurrect (via Ouija board) the Sanderson sisters and have to fight off Winifred’s evil plans to take over Salem/the world. All in all, none of the characters were that well written or the story that compelling to keep me invested. I didn’t hate it. It will be a quick read for those that grew up with the movie. It would be perfect to introduce a younger audience to safer horror. Worth one read, but probably better to sell at a yard sale or donate to a library or used book store.