Bette Midler, a renowned singer, actress, and comedian, has long been known for her mesmerizing performances and larger-than-life persona. However, what many may not realize is that Midler is also a dedicated practitioner of the magical arts. Throughout her career, she has incorporated elements of magic and mysticism into her work, creating a unique and enchanting experience for her audiences. One of the most prominent examples of Midler's magical influence can be seen in her hit film "Hocus Pocus." In this beloved cult classic, Midler portrays Winifred Sanderson, a witch who is resurrected in modern-day Salem. Her portrayal of the quirky and wicked witch captivated viewers, showcasing her ability to bring magic to life on the big screen.
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While the exact figures have not been publicly disclosed, it is clear that the actors were well compensated for their performances in this Halloween favorite. The Mother Witch is the one responsible for giving Winifred a dark magic spellbook created by Satan, making her responsible for the Sanderson Sisters becoming evil witches.
Her portrayal of the quirky and wicked witch captivated viewers, showcasing her ability to bring magic to life on the big screen. Midler's connection to the magical arts extends beyond her performances. She has been known to practice witchcraft and has spoken openly about her beliefs in the power of spiritual healing and energy work.
Don’t Question the Magic of Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus, as a film, makes little sense. The plot, about a coven of witches who seek to eat children, involves a talking cat, a boy who despises trick-or-treating, and far too many mentions of virgins lighting candles. Released inexplicably in the middle of summer 1993, it was a box-office failure that put off critics.
But Hocus Pocus, as a cultural phenomenon, makes perfect sense. The costumes are easily replicable, the one-liners fantastically quotable. The movie is campy, with a catchy musical number and exaggerated performances. Given its Halloween setting, Hocus Pocus has become as ubiquitous come autumn as pumpkin-spice lattes. The biggest fans watch it every October, when it airs almost daily on TV.
So of course Disney made a sequel. Hocus Pocus 2, which started streaming on Disney+ yesterday, revives the reviled Sanderson sisters—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah (played respectively by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker)—nearly 30 years after the original. Like the trio of eccentric spell-casting divas at its center, this follow-up is bizarre, flashy, and chaotic. And yet, it’s also satisfying to take in.
I’m not a die-hard Hocus Pocus fan—it’s never been an annual viewing event for me, more of a catch-it-on-in-the-background kind of thing—but I nevertheless found myself charmed by the new entry. The film wears its ridiculousness so proudly, it’s impossible to disdain. It is both a diverting watch and a sly commentary on its predecessor’s strengths. Hocus Pocus 2 understands that Hocus Pocus has a lot that doesn’t work, including an overstuffed plot, hokey dialogue, and chintzy effects. But what the original did have was a uniquely cartoonish raucousness, the kind of unpretentious silliness that can turn a mediocre movie into a cult favorite.
Hocus Pocus 2 grasps, in other words, that the first film isn’t exactly sacred storytelling—and so, as a sequel, it has more than a little fun with the material. It strips the plot to its bare bones, largely ignoring the events that came before in favor of sequences that allow the actors to chew as much scenery as possible. A flashback to the Sandersons’ childhood years in the 1600s, for example, features Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham as a fabulously hammy witch who grants them their sentient spell book, along with a wiggy Tony Hale as an arachnophobic reverend. The teenagers involved this time around play a part in the magic, instead of just gawking at the sisters. And the script pokes fun at its own ludicrousness. “Who are they performing for?” one character asks early on when Winifred, Mary, and Sarah arrive and immediately burst into song.
Speaking of the pesky threesome, none of this works without the witches themselves getting to run amok even more than they did in the original. Midler, Najimy, and Parker reprise their roles with an enthusiasm that radiates off the screen; all of them are absurdly overqualified for their parts but appear to be having the most fun they’ve ever had. Midler in particular seems to delight in every over-the-top antic, including one in which Winifred tries to navigate her way past a set of automatic doors. Instead of walking through them as they open, Midler twirls slowly, looking terrified with every degree spun. That character beat left me in stitches.
It also reminded me of what I enjoyed most about Hocus Pocus as a kid, even when I caught scenes in snippets: the leads’ commitment to making the Sanderson sisters not just odd, but naively so. Take one of my favorite moments from the 1993 film, for instance: After the witches have been tricked into thinking that the water coming from a sprinkler system is “the burning rain of death,” Winifred tests the liquid by holding out her palm and then licking it. Mary, seeing this, immediately licks her own palm too. These moves are objectively gross, yet sweetly endearing at the same time. The sisters are outcasts bewildered by everything going on around them, and that confusion makes them dependent on and devoted to one another. Not much about Hocus Pocus is realistic, except the trio’s anxiety about stepping into a world they don’t know how to navigate. Despite how much they want to eat children, they exude a defiance and obstinacy that can resonate with young audiences also caught in the turmoil of having to grow up.
Hocus Pocus 2 offers the same concoction of heartfelt weirdness. The Sandersons are more determined than ever to succeed now that they’ve been resurrected a second time, but they are even more perplexed by the world they’ve entered. The film follows their lead, playing up their closeness amid the corny jokes and kooky hijinks, rekindling the same spark that turned Hocus Pocus into a hit. So many of Disney’s recent remakes and reboots that mine the company’s back catalog have cared more about exploiting nostalgia through endless references than capturing the allure of the original work. But Hocus Pocus 2 is neither a soulless shot-for-shot re-creation nor an overwrought brand update. It highlights the chemistry that kept viewers spellbound enough to return to the first film time and time again, while dialing up the childlike fun. That’s a kind of magic not every sequel can conjure.
She has even credited her success to her spiritual practices, claiming that they have helped her focus her energy and manifest her dreams. In addition to her personal practice, Midler has also used her platform to promote magical and mystical ideologies. She has spoken out about environmental conservation, the power of love and positivity, and the importance of connecting with nature. Through her music and performances, she has encouraged her audience to embrace their own magic and find joy in the world around them. Bette Midler's immersion in the magical world sets her apart from other entertainers. Whether through her on-screen portrayals, her personal beliefs, or her advocacy for causes she holds dear, Midler showcases the power of magic, inspiring others to tap into their own mystical potential. Her unique blend of talent and spirituality is a testament to the transformative nature of the magical arts..
Reviews for "Exploring the Magical Repertoire of Bette Midler"
- John - 2 stars - I have to say, I was extremely disappointed with Bette Midler as a magical practitioner. I had heard so many great things about her abilities, but when I saw her in action, I was underwhelmed. Her spells were lackluster and didn't have the impact I expected. I also found her stage presence to be quite off-putting. Overall, I don't think she lived up to the hype at all.
- Sarah - 3 stars - As a fan of Bette Midler's acting and singing career, I was excited to see her as a magical practitioner. However, I was left feeling a bit unsatisfied. While she had some moments of brilliance, overall, I felt her magic was a bit forced and unnatural. It didn't flow as smoothly as it could have, and I found myself questioning her techniques. I think she has potential in this field, but she still has a long way to go.
- Michael - 2 stars - I have to admit, I was quite let down by Bette Midler's magical abilities. I expected so much more from her based on her reputation, but she just didn't deliver. Her spells lacked the power and precision that I've seen from other practitioners. Additionally, her stage presence was distracting and took away from the experience. I think she needs to work on honing her skills and finding her own unique style before I can fully support her as a magical practitioner.
- Emily - 1 star - I regret to say that I found Bette Midler as a magical practitioner to be quite underwhelming. Her spells seemed amateurish and lacked any real impact. I didn't feel any connection to the magic she was trying to create, and I found myself bored throughout the performance. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and would not recommend her as a practitioner to others.