Wondering if HOCUS POCUS 2 is ok for kids? The Sanderson Sisters are baaaack and just as fabulous as ever! This sequel is more kid friendly than the original, however, there are still some things to watch for. Is Hocus Pocus 2 too scary for kids? Here’s what parents need to know in this Parents Guide to Hocus Pocus 2.
Hocus Pocus 2 Parents Guide
It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the Sanderson Sisters, and now they are looking for revenge. Teenager Becca (Whitney Peak) and best friend Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), have a tradition on Halloween, which is also Becca’s birthday, that they have done for years. This year is Becca’s 16th birthday, but their other friend, Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) has ditched them for her boyfriend, who is convinced Becca’s a witch anyway.
Cassie is hosting a Halloween party at her house while Becca and Izzy are tricked into summoning the Sanderson Sisters with the Black Flame candle on All Hallow’s Eve. Oops, here we go again. Now it’s up to these three friends to stop the witches from eating any more children and creating havoc in Salem.
Why is Hocus Pocus Rated PG?
Hocus Pocus 2 is rated PG by the MPAA for Action, Language, and Macabre/Suggestive Humor which means some content is not suitable for kids of all ages.
Is Hocus Pocus 2 Kid Friendly?
You can expect to see some witchcraft, spells, suggestive humor, jump scares, and language from some characters in Hocus Pocus 2. To sum it up, Hocus Pocus 2 is mostly kid friendly, but some humor and dark content is not for young kids.
We do get to see The Sanderson Sisters as kids in Hocus Pocus 2, which gives a glimpse into their back story, however, there are some scenes where Winifred makes fun of the church.
Language
Language is minimal in Hocus Pocus but does include damn and words of Deity like “oh my g-d.”
Mature Content
Some parts are scary in Hocus Pocus 2 like various jump scares, The Sanderson Sisters trying to eat children and kill people, a zombie’s head is popped off, and various spells and witchcraft are performed. However, it’s not over the top scary.
A virgin needs to light a candle and a little kid asks, “What’s a virgin?” That may open some questions from little kids. There is also talk about lovers.
There are references to Satan and the devil.
One scene could be sad for kids as some characters seem to evaporate.
When the Sanderson Sisters are younger, Winifred recounts how she said the Lord’s name in vain twice, and the Reverend and town come for them. This scene could be scary for young ones, too.
Is Hocus Pocus 2 Appropriate for Kids Under 10?
Parents should be aware that Hocus Pocus 2 does have some jump scares and scary content involving witches and witchcraft. Is Hocus Pocus 2 too scary for kids? While there is some dark magic, Hocus Pocus 2 is for families who want a little scare without too much darkness.
If your kids are fans of Hocus Pocus, they’ll be fine with the sequel as this one is a little more tame than the first. I’d recommend Hocus Pocus 2 for kids ages 10 and up.
Younger kids could also watch if they’re interested in Halloween, spooky stuff, or witches, but a lot of the content may go over their heads, especially the eccentricity of The Sanderson Sisters.
Although this sequel is coming out almost 30 years later than the original, the Sanderson Sisters don’t miss a beat. They are just as funny, quirky, and weird as ever. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker shine as my favorite witchy sisters. They are not quite as evil as in the first, which may disappoint some fans, but I like the change to introduce Hocus Pocus 2 to a new generation of fans and families.
A special shout-out to the actresses who play the young Sanderson Sisters. Their scenes made me laugh and they were amazing little Sanderson Sister mini-me’s, especially Taylor Henderson as Young Winifred.
With fan favorite Billy (Doug Jones) back and speaking his truth, a cameo from Hannah Waddingham from Ted Lasso, and a brilliant musical number, I ate up every single Easter egg Disney gave me.
Listen, Hocus Pocus in general is weird and campy, that’s the appeal to fans, so not everyone is going to love it. Hocus Pocus 2 rectified some of the problems from the first while keeping its charm. It’s about friendships, sisterhood, and the things that matter most. But it’s also for weirdos like me.
