Practical Magic 2 review: Sequel coasts on Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman’s chemistry
The original 1998 Practical Magic was not a childhood classic of mine. I have seen it precisely twice (including once last week) and find it weird yet enjoyable. The sequel, coming almost 30 years later, is very much more of the same, although perhaps less fun.
Following the death of her second husband, Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock) disavows magic and declares that her daughters, Kylie and Antonia, will never know they’re witches or about the family curse, which kills their love interests. Many years later, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams) are now grown up, out of university and in adult jobs. Kylie begins to uncover the family’s dark secrets when her boyfriend Gideon (Xolo Maridueña) gets into an accident.
Based on the 2021 novel The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic 2 will work for you if you’re a major fan of the original because the vibe and quality are similar, there are some nostalgic references, and it’s a delight to see Bullock and Nicole Kidman back together. Those two get on like a house on fire and have a believable sisterly bond and spats, as the fun, free-spirited Gillian clashes with the buttoned-up, repressed Sally.
Their chemistry and radiant screen presence help compensate for an awful script (especially in sincere, romantic moments) and the disappointing lack of comedy. The script is incredibly cringe in places, with a couple of lines that made everyone in the crowd audibly groan and laugh (and maybe die a little inside). Poor Lee Pace, getting lumbered with those. There are also a couple of silly errors that prove nobody on the creative team was actually British. For British audiences, an English character being called Ian Wright (the name of a footballer-turned-pundit) can’t be taken seriously and putting custard on a savoury pie is an abomination. We would never!
It’s a joy to see Bullock back on-screen after a four-year break. I wish her comedic talents were put to better use – there are moments of comedy here and there, but rarely good enough to warrant a laugh. Kidman has much more fun as Gilly and gets some decent one-liners, such as the curse not being “great for the Tinder bio”. King, replacing Evan Rachel Wood as Kylie, was the most impressive; she really sells the drama, emotion and stakes. Poor Williams, replacing Alexandra Artrip as Antonia, is given nothing to do and barely contributes to the plot. Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing are back as the aunts Jet and Franny, and just as witchy as before.
Practical Magic 2, directed by Susanne Bier, coasts on the chemistry between Bullock and Kidman and the joy of witnessing their on-screen reunion. The first film received mixed-to-negative reviews and went on to become a cult classic; perhaps the sequel will have a similar trajectory.
In cinemas from Friday 11th September