Hocus Pocus 2 Review: 4 Ups & 6 Downs

3. The Middling Production Values

Though the original Hocus Pocus certainly had its iffy production elements - namely that CGI cat - there is at least a charm and a warmth to its cinematography and production design which is sorely lacking in this sequel.

Instead, the visuals have a flat, washed-out, overly digital style as is characteristic of many modern movies made specifically for a streaming service.

The moodiness of the lighting in the original is substituted for flat, even lighting and utilitarian camerawork that, again, strips the film of much of its potential atmosphere and personality.

It's slick and glossy, but ultimately ends up looking like just about every other fantasy production Disney is making for Disney+ these days, rather than a visually distinctive piece of work like the original, warts and all.