Apparently it really resonates if you're a Chinese-Canadian woman between the ages of 33 and 35.* They really went after the widest possible demographic.
(I'm obviously being sarcastic, but that was basically the entire source of good press for the movie. The way it captured the experience of Chinese-Canadian tweens in Toronto in the early-00s.)
From reception I've seen, it's not that it's that niche, but that every descriptor you've seen is a demographic the film resonated with that
From
Chinese-American second-or-third-generation immigrants
To
Canadians from
Toronto to the Maritimes to BC
To
women who went through that stage in life
To
tweens who are going through it now
To people who grew up during
the early 00's.
The character being specific doesn't mean that you have to be that specific person to enjoy it. This conception has doomed a lot of possible diversity in entertainment.
Hocus Pocus 2 does not hurt the brand, stuff like Live action Pinnochio does. Everyone I know who's seen it HATES it.
Don't feel bad, I really liked the live-action Pinocchio.
I did too! The new character in Stromboli's troupe was a lovely addition (albeit not explored nearly enough) and I actually thought that the usual modern glaring CGI showcase worked for Pleasure Island conceptually.
I also raise my hand for Rise. It was a fun, stupid, fast-paced ride. I enjoyed the entire trilogy, although it suffers greatly from lack of vision and a scrambling in reaction to bad press by stupid people.
And I meant to mention earlier that I liked Meet the Robinsons because it actually surprised me with a twist. I generally appreciate media that can surprise me or make me feel something.
(Also I almost mentioned during the "worst Pixar movie" discussion that as a James Bond fan I kinda really love Cars 2 because I have a huge appreciation for the parody and how deeply they went into it and all the tropes, but I realized it would severely hamper my credibility.)
