In 1998, the original Practical Magic was met with scathing critical reviews and a disappointing box office return. In the 28 years since its initial release—and the advent of the internet and social media—the film found its audience, achieved “cult” status, and became a beloved staple of the Fall season. Audiences looked past the film’s jarring tonal shifts, mismatch of genres, and uneven narrative in service of its cozy vibes, soothing Stevie Nicks tracks, and undeniable chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Based on Alice Hoffman’s popular book series, there was always more bewitching story to tell. The question is, would the film’s newfound fanbase justify a theatrical return to Hoffman’s magical universe? The answer is: Mostly, yes.
How does the sequel’s narrative differ from the original?
By now you know the story. Sally and Gillian Owens (Bullock and Kidman) are both witches who were raised by their eccentric aunt Jett and Frances (Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing) following their parents’ death. Their family lineage has been plagued with a curse: Death to any man they fall in love with. After years of communal hazing by the townspeople and some magical mischief, Sally and Gillian break the curse. Or, so they thought.
Following another unexpected tragedy, Sally swears off magic for good and wipes clean any memory of it from her young daughters Kylie and Antonia (Joey King and Maisie Williams) as a desperate attempt to protect them from heartbreak. But fate had other plans. When Kylie’s romantic partner (Xolo Maridueña) is threatened to fall victim to the family’s fatal curse, Sally is forced to confess her family’s true origins. Kylie—with the help of an ancient spell book—escapes home to break the curse once and for all. Now, Sally and Gillian must join forces to seek the aid of Ian Wright (Lee Pace), a professor of magic, to save Kylie from the book’s all-consuming power.
Does Practical Magic 2 cast the same enchanting spell as its predecessor?
Considering the myriad of ways this could have gone wrong, the film miraculously maintains its predecessor’s earnest sense of warmth, heart, and sisterhood. Yes, the narrative is clunky and occasionally disjointed. But we would be lying to ourselves if we did not admit that its predecessor shared the same glaring flaws. Bullock and Kidman’s sparkling chemistry carries the sequel on its shoulders. Meanwhile, Lee Pace, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest provide some unexpected pathos.
This film’s narrative is more expansive and YA-coded than the first, which creates a very different energy and vibe. Comedy, romance, adventure, and fantasy collide to conjure a heartwarming and whimsical journey fans will appreciate. No, it is not better than the original. But then again, how could it be? It might not convert new witches to its coven, but fans of the first one will cherish the reunion of beloved characters, clever callbacks, and, of course, plenty of midnight margaritas.
Practical Magic 2 is now playing in theaters nationwide.
