‘Paranormal Activity 2?’ ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose?’ ‘Scary Movie?’ Sure, these movies are good for some cheap chills and thrills this time of year. But if you really want to get in touch with the Halloween spirit, nothing will get you in the mood like ‘Hocus Pocus.’ Watching the Sanderson sisters cast spells on unwitting humans and fly through the air on vacuum cleaners has the same effect as watching Flick from ‘A Christmas Story’ freeze his tongue to a pole: It warms your heart and makes you feel spirited and cheerful in ways you can’t explain. Worried that ‘Hocus Pocus’ won’t give you that freak-out factor you get from the typical horror flick? No worries there: Watching Max, Dani and Allison’s too-close-for-comfort encounters with the Sanderson sisters has viewers’ hearts beating right out of their chests. And now you’ll be able to pick up on all the elements you missed when the movie first came out in 1993. Did you know what a virgin was when you were 5 years old? Max’s lighting of the black flame will make much more sense now that you can comprehend what a bummer it is for his virgin status to be revealed in front of his love interest, Allison. And who can resist a pre-‘Sex and the City’ Sarah Jessica Parker? Don’t pass on an opportunity to re-watch the magic (pun intended) that is ‘Hocus Pocus’ — it’s an essential part of any solid Halloween weekend.

— Compiled by Elora Tocci, asst. copy editor, ertocci@syr.edu