Never really looks dated - Hocus Pocus (1993) Discussion

[–] dvd7 10 years ago

I think it have looked very dated if they had tried to make style and technology a bigger part of the story but to their credit they focused on characters and the story more.
By this time in the 90s styles were becoming a bit more plain and "grungy" (jeans, flannels, nothing too flashy).

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[–] sakura_droplet 10 years ago

It is strangely timeless, now that I think about it.

"Oh, my, where are my manners? Would either of you homicidal maniacs like some sweet tea?"

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[–] toking65000 10 years ago

I'm not sure why looking dated is a bad thing really. Why do we hate the past so much?

Create a society in which you would like to live, not knowing what you're going to come into it as.

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[–] MarblesLove 10 years ago

I've always wondered the same thing. What's so wrong with a movie looking dated?

This is my signature.

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[–] toking65000 10 years ago

Same here!!

Create a society in which you would like to live, not knowing what you're going to come into it as.

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[–] ciggies84 10 years ago

There are a few parts that look dated, however I love films that are dated it says so much about the time. For example, Max's computer in the background in his room, and one particular bit when he gets *beep* across his room into all the drums looks so early 90s to me. Plus, the mom's Madonna costume screamed that album Erotica so its easy enough to tell how old it is.

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[–] toking65000 10 years ago

That's true, but I don't see why any of those things would make a movie less appealing though.

If they really wanna make a futuristic movie, just do away with EVERYTHING and have everyone's brain hooked into a cell phone, that's what it's coming too. It is sad that ppl don't DO any thing anymore. No drums, no collections, no hobbies, NOTHING but TEXTING.

Create a society in which you would like to live, not knowing what you're going to come into it as.

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[–] avia2 10 years ago

Agree with OP. Plus the 90s are having a revival now...
- fewer skinny jeans than in 2010.
- R&B has gone Techno.
- More tie-dyed shirts.
- Max's shoes (not the sneakers/trainers) and jacket are very fashionable now.

Of course nothing wrong with looking dated - most of my favourite films are very '80s.

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[–] magickemerald 9 years ago

I'm not sure why looking dated is a bad thing really. Why do we hate the past so much?

Not necessarily bad for a film to look dated, and I certainly don't hate the past! I just think it makes it easier for new audiences to relate to the film. One of my fave films is "Halloween", but I would think the clothing and hairstyles might make it hard for new, younger viewers to relate to the characters. Just an observation.



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Long live the pool ducks

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[–] snowy_658 9 years ago

This movie always just had a classic feel to me. Maybe because it reminds me of childhood when it first came out, but I loved the whole look and feel of the movie. I never watch it and think "90's", just seems like a regular universal time

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[–] PopperTheKungFu-Dragon 9 years ago

I agree. What I love about the movies is how we can look back at how fashions and music and even people and places were during a certain period.

Poorly Lived and Poorly Died, Poorly Buried and No One Cried

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[–] Injinn 9 years ago

I, personally, do not hate the past -- however, there is a very real, very meaningful difference between a "dated" film and a "timeless" film.

A dated film gives a glimpse into the fashions, musical tastes and lingo of the times; a timeless film appeals to all ages, anywhere and is not forever tied to ANY period in time (hence the term, "timeless"). With a timeless film, a kid can watch it and immediately relate to the characters, instead of viewing it as a novel glimpse at a specific time and place.

The timeless quality of Hocus Pocus contributes to its ability to appeal to kids of any generation. It's why kids watched the film when it was released, grew up and now watch it with their own children, the same way other timeless films continue to bring in new viewers decades after the movie was shot.

Admiring Hocus Pocus for being timeless isn't the same thing as hating the past; it is just a different sort of nostalgia that the film evokes.

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[–] magickemerald 8 years ago

A dated film gives a glimpse into the fashions, musical tastes and lingo of the times; a timeless film appeals to all ages, anywhere and is not forever tied to ANY period in time (hence the term, "timeless"). With a timeless film, a kid can watch it and immediately relate to the characters, instead of viewing it as a novel glimpse at a specific time and place.

"Timeless" is the perfect word. 

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I know that you consort with stars & magic, & think it fun. 🌠

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[–] Pete8680 9 years ago

This movie doesn't scream 90's to me. Just like Ferris Beuller's Day Off doesn't scream 80's 2 me.

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[–] DracTarashV 9 years ago

Ernie's whole "word to yo mother" style is dated for sure. Also, wasn't Max dressed like a new kid on the block? Ha ha. But yeah, whether it's the look of the movie or its appeal to every generation, Hocus Pocus definitely retains a timeless quality.

Hey there, Johnny Boy, I hope you fry!

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[–] rattleNwoolypenguin 9 years ago

Doesn't look dated?

MAX WEARS TIE DYE.
The bullies have grungy sweaters tied around them. Alison's clothes

This film looks INCREDIBLY dated

"I'm a rap artist" as well as the focus on Madonna

Not putting it down but there's no pretending. It is very obviously an early 90s film haha

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[–] Nightflyre9 8 years ago

I don't think anyone is "pretending" that Hocus Pocus looks like it came out in 2016. Lol. I think what people are saying is that FOR THE YEAR IT WAS MADE, it looks relatively good. Yes, there are a few dead giveaways of its age, but for the most part, the "dated" aspects are not terribly jarring to a modern audience. I think fantasy-driven or sci-fi films always tend to age better than reality-based films. And Hocus Pocus is no exception. So, in that way, it certainly does have a timeless appeal.

With that said, what's WRONG with a movie looking dated? Movies are a reflection of the time in which they were made, a window into history. For me, seeing the clothing styles, the hair styles, cars, furniture, and technology of the time is what makes a film special and enduring. It's PART of the experience. I'll never know what it was like to grow up in the Fifties, but I can watch a movie made in that era and be instantly transported to that time. How can anyone not find that a magnificent thing?

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[–] magickemerald 8 years ago

Doesn't look dated?

MAX WEARS TIE DYE.
The bullies have grungy sweaters tied around them. Alison's clothes

This film looks INCREDIBLY dated

"I'm a rap artist" as well as the focus on Madonna

Not putting it down but there's no pretending. It is very obviously an early 90s film haha

Tie dye is a style from the sixties. People have been wearing it ever since. It's not a 90's thing. I think it was chosen to show his "California, tie dye, laid-back point of view" or whatever the teacher calls it. Maybe it depends on where you live, but lots of people still love tie dye.

The "grungy sweaters"- plenty of people still wear grunge styles. Again, not a fad strictly related to the 90's. Not saying it's a huge trend these days, but it's not something I'd be surprised to see someone wearing currently, either.

Alison is wearing jeans and plain sweater. Those never go out of style. The type of jeans she's wearing are probably a bit high-waisted compared to today's, but her sweater mostly covers that.

Rap artists are certainly not confined to the 90's either. 

In any case, yes it's obvious the movie takes place in the 90's, but it's still not something that clobbers the viewer over the head for most of the movie. The really obvious 90's touches are unobtrusive to the story.

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I know that you consort with stars & magic, & think it fun. 🌠

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[–] TMC-4 (20304) 3 months ago

I never thought that Allison's clothes, at least her causal attire on Halloween night is dated. I can easily see and imagine girls today wearing clothes similar to Allison (a cardigan sweater, loose blue jeans, a white wool sweater, etc.). I suppose that it helps that Allison's character is the classic girl next door type, and you typically associate girls like those with modesty. A relatively unassuming girl like Allison doesn't strike me as being very trendy or fashion-conscious in other words.

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[–] TMC-4 (20304) 3 months ago

I also thought that it was a bit refreshing that the filmmakers didn't go for the super cliched route and have Allison be some type of goth girl. If you look at Allison, you probably wouldn't immediately suspect her of being a girl who's heavily interested and fascinated with the occult or witchcraft.

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[–] jessicajennings-46931 8 years ago

I think part of it has to do with the fact that the movie occurs over a 24 hour period during which most of the characters are dressed in costumes for Halloween sooo there are very few people wearing styles of the times

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[–] Nightflyre9 8 years ago

Yes, agreed. As I said elsewhere, fantasy and sci-fi films tend to age better than reality-based films, and Hocus Pocus is a prime example.

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[–] TMC-4 (20304) 3 months ago

Hocus Pocus: A Problematic Mess of Bizarre 90s Tropes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI1QN1OQ35s

Grab your broomsticks and join me as we dive into the chaotic cauldron that is Hocus Pocus! While this 90s Halloween classic might hold a special place in our nostalgic hearts, it's hard to ignore the outdated tropes, flat characters, and lazy humor that haven't aged well. From the Sanderson sisters’ over-the-top villainy to the bizarre virgin-shaming and caricatured witches, this movie is filled with some serious missteps.

In this video, we’ll break down:

Why the youth-stealing trope is as old as time (hello, Snow White and Mother Gothel).
The awkward and unnecessary romance subplot between Max and Allison.
The amount of cringey humor aimed at witches.
How Halloween in Hocus Pocus misses the mark by reducing a rich history to a mere costume party.
And why the Sanderson sisters, with their one chance at eternal life, spend more time singing than actually pursuing their goal!

📜 Plus, we’ll explore how the portrayal of witches could have celebrated feminine power and magic, rather than reducing them to shallow caricatures. Is Hocus Pocus still worth watching, or has the magic faded with time?

Hit play for a fun, spooky breakdown of a 90s cult classic, and let’s chat about how it holds up today. Don’t forget to subscribe for more witchy reviews, historical insights, and magical content!

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