This is one of the rare times when I like the sequel far better than the original movie.

Don't get me wrong, I watch Hocus Pocus every Halloween season. It's not a great film, but the camp is over-the-top fun.

Hocus Pocus 2 offers a similar level of fun, but the plot's entirely different. It's 29 years since the Sanderson Sisters wrought havoc on Salem. Teenagers Becca (Whitney Peak) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) decline a Halloween party invite from Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), who they are currently displeased with. They opt instead to perform a ritual and accidentally use a black flame candle from a local witchery shop run by a fan of the legendary Sanderson sisters.

If you've seen Hocus Pocus, you know what happens from there....

The three young witch-wannabes reunite and vow to stop the Sanderson sisters from seeking revenge on the town, which includes killing Mayor Traske, Cassie's dad (Tony Hale).

I liked this movie enough to see it twice on the first day -- once by myself, and the second time with my husband. Hocus Pocus 2 added both depth and continuity to the storyline that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The younger crew of actresses held up well in competition with the Sanderson sisters: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Nijimy. I'd love to see the three teenagers next year fighting some new foe in Salem. Their performances were excellent and, despite my love of Midler, I was rooting for them from the beginning.

My one regret is this film appears to be only streaming on Disney+. I hope that at some point, the studio will decide to offer it on DVD as well. I'd love to add it to my collection so I can see it anytime that I want.