3.4 AVERAGE


Would be a great movie but the book feel flat.

This cult classic Retelling and all new sequel was simply spell binding. The refresher was a nostalgic Throwback and homage to a classic Halloween movie I hold dear to my heart ; and the sequel is something I've been waiting for, for well over 20 years!

I absolutely loved all the references to the movie that the sequel had (Peter Pan, Dani, etc). It was honestly everything I could have wished for and more. This was an amazing tribute to my childhood.

As a lifelong fan of Hocus Pocus, like so many of my generation, I jumped at the idea of a sequel. As an idea, it was both intriguing and unappealing. I am very protective of it for one reason or another.

To put it plainly, I picked up a copy entirely on a whim and because of how simple. That cute and minimal, Halloween cover was so sweet, I couldn’t pass it up. Plus a little nostalgia never hurt anybody, right? My childlike nostalgia got the best of me.

My issues with this book were simple. I couldn’t get into it. Am I simply out of age for it? That is likely. I am unable to pinpoint anything of substance to say, “THIS didn’t work for me.”

After months and months of TRYING to read this book, I’ve given up and shelved it as DNF. I am a little heartbroken by it, but it happens.

As always: don’t take my review as the gospel. What didn’t work for me, may work for you—it is always worth a shot, as taste is subjective.

I really did like this book but there were some things that just didn’t translate well in the written word. I feel like I was robbed of Sanderson sisters in the sequel but it wasn’t a bad story. I think they tied it to the first decently well.
Hopefully they get to come back ;)

I loved reading a novelization of one of my favorite films, hearing the lines in my head, and then getting the world expanded with the next generation , one of whom happens to be gay!!

I LOVED the first part. Seeing one of my favorite movies turned to book format was awesome! The second part was alright. When I first started reading the second half I thought I was going to hate it but then more I read the better it got.

This was just genuinely fun, I didn't really put too much thought into it as I read because it was more about telling an enjoyable story rather than making it anything more than Halloween HiJinx.

I liked the present day story better in terms of characters, I felt more connected and the overall plot was more intense.

It was just fun! And a bit spooky and really cute.

I absolutely adore the movie Hocus Pocus. I was ten when it was released in cinemas and it as the first time that me and my older sister were allowed to go to the cinema by ourselves. It has always been a firm favourite of mine, one that I re-watch every Halloween. Now, I have my niece watching it (although she did make me watch it three times in the space of 24 hours).

So you can imagine my joy when I saw that the movie has been made into a book AND that there was a sequel included also. Joy of joys.

Firstly, let’s talk about Hocus Pocus. It doesn’t deviate from the film and for that I am thankful. The film is perfect. You should never monkey around with Bette Milder – whose hands are perfect in that film might I just add.

The sequel, however, was surprising. It follows on from the adventures that Max, Dani and Alex had 25 years ago and the story centres around Poppy, Max and Allison’s daughter (it is nice to know that they stayed together). The reason why the story is surprising is the LGBTQIA element to the story. Essentially, Hocus Pocus is a Disney classic and whilst strides have been made recently to make Disney more inclusive (just this week it was announced that there will be an openly gay Disney character in one of their next up and coming movies) it is still a major step for the wholesome Disney family oriented image. I, for one, salute this move and hope that it brings about more.

Ok, so the sequel wasn’t (and probably – in my eyes – never could be) as good as the original. However, a modern audience may appreciate it more than me. I did enjoy the story though and I loved revisiting much loved characters. I kind of hope that they make it into a movie – that would be amazing.

Hocus Pocus and the All New Sequel by AW Jantha is available now.

I know a lot of people did not enjoy the sequel part of this book but I have to say that I enjoyed it. It was entertaining. Seeing the characters from the first story all grown up and I really liked the new characters. My 2 problem with it was the way Mary broke out in a song, which to me didn't not work. It works in movies because you hear the music and the way it's suppose to be song but doing it for a book? Just not the same, it doesn't work. The other thing that bothered me a bit, well, it's hard for me to explain it. The way the book ended, it felt like there might be another story and to be honest, I would read it, lol.

While I enjoyed watching the movie, "Hocus Pocus" the book was a let down due to that it was just the script decorated up a little. I can't believe I'm writing this, but I liked the movie more than the book!

Now for "The All New Sequel" sadly it was also a let down. While it was an interesting story, it seemed flat, as if it was also wrote from a script. Kids 11 and up will probably like the book/story, not a lot detail so it's simple.

But I do think it will make a nice movie if done right. Filmed the same as "Hocus Pocus", not this cheap kids stuff they are now doing with movies and TV shows. Too much happy will ruin this story, as would remaking "Hocus Pocus"! Keep Cult Classics, CLASSIC!!!