Daddy Craft: Hocus Pocus

When someone asks what movies I like to watch during October I will always include the wonderful family film, Hocus Pocus. Sometimes people will question my tastes in movies after I state this. I always laugh because they simply don't get it.

Hocus Pocus is a film about the Sanderson Sisters who after 300 years after being executed for practicing dark witchcraft, return to life thanks to a spell that is broken by the clumsy actions of a boy named Max. The sisters then have only one night to insure their continued existence. Its up to Max and his little sister Dani, to stop them.

A very young Thora Birch plays Dani, Max's sister.

The film stars Bette Midler as the wickedly terrific, Winifred. Her sisters Mary and Sarah are played by Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker. The chemistry between the sisters is infectious. Anytime they are on screen you can't help smile. The movie captures the whimsical side of Halloween that is often overlooked because of blood and guts. What it lacks in gore in makes up in heart. Is it a great movie? No. Is it hella enjoyable? You bet!

This movie has become a cult hit. Just last year I went to a midnight screening where half of the crowd was dressed up as the sisters or other characters from the movie. It was so much fun seeing it with a big crowd. People sang to the songs, danced in the isles and made comments at the screen. It was like seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

If you haven't seen this movie, you will either love it or hate it. I don't think there's many in between. You have to let go of your critical movie criticism on this one and just enjoy it the way a child would. If you do I promise you will love this movie. And in case you don't how awesome this movie is here's 21 reasons to convince you otherwise!