Kidman and Bullock return for yet more magical shenanigans. But is it worth your time and money?

In 1998 Practical Magic released to the world, and it was a cinematic flop. Over the years, it’s gained a cult following, and with that in mind, Kidman and Bullock are back as the Owens sisters in this sequel. But is it a flop like it’s predecessor?

I’m not going to compare the two films, I don’t think it’s fair as nearly 30 years has passed by, and there are obvious changes to the cast.

I went into this not expecting too much as I wasn’t a fan of the first movie. I will say that both Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman look great for two women in their 60’s, although I fear the plastic surgeon and his trusty scalpel deserves much of the credit. Diane Wiest and Stockard Channing reprise their roles as the ever faithful aunts, and I think they looked great too although Wiest’s character had very little to play with in this film.

Masie Williams and Joey King are Antonia and Kylie Owens respectively, and while Joey King has much more of a story arch here, Masie is very much relegated to a background player but this is done with a point in mind. That point is that she is much more like her mother, where as Kylie is a spiritual version of her Aunt Gillian.

Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock) has given up magic as she finds it’s use takes too much and gives too little, especially because of the family curse. Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman) still keeps her toes dipped within the well of all things supernatural, and keeps herself grounded in the reality that they are witches. The children of Sally, Antonia and Kylie are unaware that they are imbued with special gifts, except Kylie is much more in touch with that side of her personality.

The story is about lifting the family curse, how it comes about and this is where we become a tad unstuck. It’s all a bit convoluted in it’s premise. I was entertained at times, but the overall story felt a little loose for most of the film, with those loose parts held together by comedic timing between the two older sisters. And while I did laugh out loud at a points, I was the only one in the cinema that did! Either the audience were bereft of a funny bone, or I’m too easily pleased. Either way, most of the comedy in the film doesn’t hit. I think I’m easily pleased, obviously!

The one area in which this film is shamefully reliant on is nostalgia. There are references to the first film almost constantly. Does this iteration of the Owens family need to rely on this? I don’t think so. With a bit more thought in how the story is told to it’s audience, I think it could serve as a standalone film, without sitting in the shadow if the first outing. So, the nostalgia does, in my humble opinion, drown the film a little from the point it’s trying to make. A story about sisterhood, family, connection, truth and accepting who you are no matter what happens. It all just felt a little flat in it’s approach to those things, relying on cheap gags and nostalgia bait to keep you in your seat.

I do think this film is better than the first, but only marginally. I didn’t particularly like Practical Magic, so it’s fair to say, I tolerated this one, but only marginally.

I give Practical Magic 2…

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Until the next review, keep your wand oiled, and your spells sharp!