Bette Midler is a renowned actress and singer who is well known for her versatility and ability to bring characters to life. One of her most memorable transformations was when she portrayed a witch in the cult classic film "Hocus Pocus." In the movie, Midler plays the role of Winifred Sanderson, the leader of a trio of witch sisters who are resurrected in modern-day Salem. As soon as Midler appears on screen, her transformation into the wicked witch is immediate and captivating. Midler's physical transformation is striking; she dons a wild, red mane of hair that seems to have a life of its own. Her makeup is bold and exaggerated, with dark, smoky eyes, a pronounced nose, and a sinister smile.
Around 2008 or so, over a decade following its release, the original film began to accrue cult status, Vinessa Shaw (who played Allison Watts) told The Wrap. About six years later, rumors began to swirl of a potential sequel in the works, though nothing came to fruition immediately.
Winnie Bette Midler , Mary Kathy Najimy , and Sarah Sarah Jessica Parker are back and campier than ever, in stark contrast to the more dramatic acting by Peak, Escobedo, and Buckingham. As directed by Kenny Ortega, Hocus Pocus has flashes of visual stylishness but virtually no grip on its story from a screenplay by Mick Garris and Neil Cuthbert.
Her makeup is bold and exaggerated, with dark, smoky eyes, a pronounced nose, and a sinister smile. These visual elements, combined with her expressive body language and distinctive voice, create a truly unforgettable witch character. However, what truly sets Midler's portrayal apart is her ability to infuse the character with complexity and depth.
How Hocus Pocus 2 Compares to the Original
O ctober’s almost here, and with it comes the changing of the leaves, the pumpkin spice-ing of the lattes, and the return of the quintessential Halloween classic: Hocus Pocus. This year, in fact, there’s even a sequel.
Hocus Pocus 2—starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy in reprisals of their original roles, and now, Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo—picks up three decades after the events of the first film with even more magic—and slightly better CGI.
Despite being a villain, Winifred Sanderson is not a one-dimensional evil character. Midler brings vulnerability and humor to the role, making the audience empathize with her at times. This adds richness to the character and makes her transformation into a witch all the more captivating. Midler's transformation into a witch highlights her incredible acting talent and ability to embody a character completely. Her portrayal of Winifred Sanderson is a testament to her versatility as an actress, as she effortlessly brings to life the wicked, yet charismatic witch. Overall, Bette Midler's transformation into a witch in "Hocus Pocus" is a standout moment in her illustrious career. Through her physicality, voice, and portrayal of a complex character, Midler captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression. Her ability to transform into a witch showcases her immense talent and cements her status as an iconic performer..
Reviews for "Embracing the Shadows: Bette Midler's Journey to Witchhood"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really looking forward to seeing Bette Midler in this witch transformation role, but I have to say, it fell flat for me. The makeup and special effects were lacking, and Midler's acting seemed forced. The storyline was also confusing and didn't hold my attention. Overall, I was disappointed with this film.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - Although I admire Bette Midler's talent, I felt that her transformation into a witch in this movie was underwhelming. The makeup and costumes were not up to par with what I was expecting, and it felt like a missed opportunity to fully embrace the character. Additionally, the storyline was predictable and lacked depth. While the movie had its moments, it wasn't as magical or exciting as I had hoped.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - As a fan of Bette Midler, I had high hopes for her portrayal of a witch in this film. However, I was disappointed with the execution. The makeup and prosthetics used to transform her into a witch looked cheap and unrealistic. It felt like the filmmakers did not put enough effort into creating a convincing and visually appealing witch character. The storyline itself was cliche and failed to captivate my interest. Overall, it was a letdown for me as a fan of both Midler and the witch genre.