We’ve long awaited the release of Hocus Pocus 2, the sequel to the Halloween classic. The first Hocus Pocus was released in 1993 and enthralled viewers with the story of the Sanderson sisters. All in all, it was a cute movie and we waited 30 years for the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2.
Religious people often avoid Halloween or substitute the festivities by celebrating Fall’s first harvest instead. However, one mom from Texas has gone viral on Tik Tok for expressing concerns that arose after the release of Hocus Pocus 2.
Religious Beliefs
There is an age-old saying that goes, “you can’t please everyone.” People will always find something to be unhappy about, that’s just the nature of many. Religion plays a major role in how people choose to conduct themselves, often opting out of certain popular festivities. Many churches have argued, about Halloween in particular, expressing that it encourages pagan or satanic rituals.
Jamie Gooch, a Christian mom from Texas, posted a video on Tik Tok expressing concerns in relation to Hocus Pocus 2, stating the whole movie is based on witches harvesting children for blood sacrifices. “It grieves me the thought of exposing our kids to darkness.”
Gooch goes on to explain she feels this problem isn’t just about the movie, but occurs every day, stating, “I think it goes further than just a movie, it goes further than Halloween, it’s a year-round thing, we constantly need to be cautious of what we’re consuming, what we’re bringing in and what we’re sending out. I believe whatever comes in our TV screens: there are things attached to that, I’ve seen for myself the things that I’ve watched with my eyes or heard over a TV screen, they’ve become manifested in real life, and then I think ‘oh my gosh, what did I consume?’”
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Christian mom warns against the evil of ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ https://t.co/NB54ixOxwZ pic.twitter.com/XiotQFt3Ub
— Christian Nightmares (@ChristnNitemare) October 5, 2022
Establishing Your Own Conclusion.
The premise of Hocus Pocus is that the souls of children will keep the 3 sisters young and alive forever. Jamie Gooch is not wrong in that the stories are based on the Sanderson sisters spending Halloween in search of children’s souls. But are they truly satanic? I suppose you could interpret it that way, but that’s probably a stretch, and to say so almost comes off as a hilarious SNL skit. However, people have the right to watch what they want to limit what they wish their children to watch.
Movie Themes
Hocus Pocus 2 is also a story of a young girl learning to come into her own. The other underlying themes include adventure, friendship, and Halloween festivities. A group of 3 girls learns to balance and maintain friendships while juggling the ever-changing life of a teenager. The supporting characters include 2 friends who’ve known the main character since early childhood.
These friends come together to help the main character save her town. Through that act, they strengthen the bond they once felt before boys, and hormones changed their lives.
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No Offense Intended.
In 1993, Kathy Najimy, one of the Sanderson sisters, gave an interview with Katie Couric. Najimy states, “At the risk of having America roll their eyes, I just feel supportive of all groups, whether they’re women’s groups or gay groups or racial groups, and I know that there are groups of witches out there.” After the release of Hocus Pocus 2, the interview resurfaced. Najimy made it clear there was intention of cast or crew to cause offense or concern to viewers.
Religious beliefs are not addressed specifically but it’s common for religious groups to find fault in or be discomforted by Halloween themes. Jamie’s message will likely speak to those with strong religious views while others may be less inclined to focus on the “satanic” aspects.
@theriveroaksredneck #hocuspocus #hocuspocus2 #kathynijmy #bettemidler #sarahjessicaparker #gloriasteinem #womansrighttochoose #feministiktok #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Robert
Hocus Pocus 2’s Popularity.
For many, Hocus Pocus 2 provided an opportunity to cozy up with loved ones this Fall. After all, we’ve waited a year for the release date. Hocus Pocus 2 did so well that Disney announced a new record. It is the most viewed original movie within the first 3 days of its release date.
Hocus Pocus (1&2) have been suggested as Halloween-themed movies for families who may not want exposure to “horror”. The two family films don’t have copious amounts of blood, gore, murder scenes or many other terrifying elements often in scary movies. Most children aren’t old enough to pick up on the weight of witches stealing children’s souls. Therefore, it’s unlikely that families will face sleepless nights after watching Hocus Pocus or Hocus Pocus 2.
Often we take other people’s opinions into consideration when making our own choices. It can be helpful to know what the masses are feeling or thinking. It is important, nonetheless, to weigh all your options. Be sure to do your own research(including possibly watching the movie beforehand). Trusting your judgment is also important when deciding if Hocus Pocus 2 is appropriate for your family this Halloween.
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Sources
- “Resurfaced today clip of ‘hocus pocus 2’ star Kathy Najimy goes viral: I didn’t want to offend ‘real witches'” TODAY. Alexander Kacala. October 9, 2022.
- “Texas mom goes viral for warning parents against ‘Hocus pocus 2’: It will ‘unleash Hell on your kids and in your home’.” Variety. Zack Sharf. October 7, 2022.
- “A Texas mother is going viral for saying how evil “Hocus pocus 2” is, and it’s somehow not an SNL skit.” Buzzfeed. Matt Stoper. October 10, 2022.
