‘Practical Magic 2’ evaluation: Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman conjure a sequel superior to the unique

Cheers to the cult following of Practical Magic. The 1998 adaptation of Alice Hoffman’s novel was no hit on the field workplace. Yet 28 years later, a sequel has manifested, because of all those that saved the fantasy of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s sister witches alive through fan artwork and social media posts, and by rewatching on streaming.

The sequel brings its main girls again, together with storied actresses Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as their onscreen aunties. Many years have handed for the reason that first movie, so the following technology of Owens sisters has been recast, with Joey King and Maisie Williams moving into the roles beforehand performed by Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip. Also becoming a member of the enchanting ensemble are Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod, as menfolk who cross the Owens ladies’s paths for higher or worse.

Together, they craft a story of affection, loss, sisterhood, and magic that bounds throughout genres whereas being totally entertaining.

Warning: Practical Magic 2 begins as a bummer.

Based on Hoffman’s The Book of Magic, this sequel initially unravels the completely satisfied ending promised by the final movie. After defeating the vicious spirit of her ex (Goran Visnjic), Gilly (Kidman) and her sister Sally (Bullock) thought they’d defeated the curse that kills each man who dares to like an Owens girl. But in between motion pictures, Sally’s second husband, Tucson investigator Gary Hallet (Aidan Quinn), dies.

Not solely does this pitch Sally again into grief, however it additionally renews her hatred for her personal magical talents. So, at this sequel’s begin, she casts a spell on her younger daughters so they may overlook all of the magic they’ve witnessed and don’t know that they’re witches. Sally has additionally sworn Gilly to maintain this secret from her daughters. However, the Owens women nonetheless reside within the Massachusetts neighborhood that is aware of they’re all witches, and lately helped them seance away an evil spirit. And they nonetheless are shut with brazenly witchy aunties Jet (Wiest) and Franny (Channing). But — uh — magic. The women do not know magic is actual, or that they’re witches. Move on. The level is, Sally is again to 1, in that she is alone and refusing to work together with magic.

Nicole Kidman and Joey King in “Practical Magic 2.”
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Less than 28 years later, Antonia (Williams) is in a medical residency, and Kylie is finding out artwork at college. But extra importantly, she’s falling for Gideon (Maridueña), a classmate who’s completely besotted together with her. This renews the household’s issues concerning the curse. But earlier than Gideon’s life is threatened (which it will likely be), the Owens’ household experiences one other peace-shattering loss.

Be warned: In Act 1, Wiest will remind us what an aspirational witchy outdated girl Jet is, showcasing her pleasure, her mischievousness, her love (of her household and margaritas), and her willpower. And then Jet will die.

Before quarter-hour of this sequel handed, I cried more durable than I might have imagined, as I all the time regarded the primary movie as enjoyable however fluffy. Truth be informed, it simply by no means obtained macabre sufficient to actually thrill me. Practical Magic 2, nevertheless, goes more durable in heartbreak and in its oddness.

Lee Pace defines Practical Magic 2.

Lee Pace and Sandra Bullock in “Practical Magic 2.”
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Bullock and Kidman slide comfortably into reprising the roles of Sally and Gilly, recreating the comedy duo of a bristling straight man and foolish free spirit. Kidman particularly is a delight, swanning round in silky flowing clothes and concerning minor inconveniences (stairs, low ceilings) with radiant disgust. Yet her Gilly is all the time recreation when magic comes into play, her eyes glowing with pleasure as Sally is relegated to stiff fear. (Though Bullock, who additionally produces, makes it some extent to weave in some slapstick and different silliness to maintain Sally from being one-note.)

However, the plot this time hinges on Kylie. Once the curse pitches her boyfriend Gideon right into a coma, Kylie will get a crash course in magic and her household’s historical past. Then, she runs away to England searching for a remedy. Sally and Gilly are quickly on her tail, butting heads alongside the way in which. But abroad, they discover an ally in Professor Ian Wright, a darkish magic tutorial who is roofed in tattoos, performed by Lee Pace, and launched completely nude.

Now, as Practical Magic 2 is rated PG-13, director Susanne Bier (Bird Box) will not present nudity. But she brings a feminine gaze the primary movie lacked, understanding {that a} close-up on Sally’s hand on Ian’s uncovered chest is as seductive because the low whisper when he says they’re each “molecules.” Sure, that may sound foolish or corny. But like the primary movie, Practical Magic 2‘s romantic subplot is unapologetically earnest. Here, it is extra alluring as a result of Ian is not conflicted by his attraction to this stunning, highly effective witch. Fuck being reserved or coy. His each gaze is considered one of temptation. And as Pace has been recognized to play heroes and villains, this temptation comes with a touch of hazard all his personal.

On high of that, Ian embodies the sequel’s darker tone and new location. With a crisp English accent, the American actor welcomes audiences into the eccentric flats, cramped taverns, and stony ruins of England. In the primary act, Bier embraces the salty sea city eccentricities of Massachusetts with a vibrant shade palette. Production particulars guarantee the Owens’ tendency towards silks, velvets, chiffon, and feathers is a pointy distinction to the hard-wood structure and tough roads. But in England, darker hues creep in, warning of the hazard Kylie is in. That hazard is mirrored within the tattoos that litter Ian’s sturdy, lengthy physique. So, each time he reaches for Sally’s hand, as a lot as she yearns for his contact, the sigils inked there remind her of her daughter’s peril.

Practical Magic 2 descends right into a chaotic climax.

Sandra Bullock in “Practical Magic 2.”
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Look, if you’d like a heart-warming witch fantasy, this sequel delivers. Craving an attractive however PG-13 romance? You obtained it. You need vogue that is aspirational and deceptively easy? All good. You wish to see ladies harness their very own energy to battle again in opposition to a system made to maintain them down? You’ll be happy.

Simply put, Practical Magic 2 covers loads of floor in satisfying the presumed expectations of its viewers. Plus, Bullock is as soon as extra the chief producer of the soundtrack, bringing in female-led bangers like Olivia Rodrigo’s “The Cure” and Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide.” What this sequel does not have is a 3rd act that makes a lot sense.

Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the tailored screenplay for Practical Magic with Robin Swicord and Adam Brooks, teamed with Georgia Pritchett and Kelly Marcel on the sequel. Together, they’ve crafted dialogue that displays the intimacy and depth on the core of Gilly and Sally’s bond. However, Hoffman’s e-book collection consists of two additional novels in between the 2 that function inspiration for Practical Magic and its sequel. And within the third act, the screenwriters rapidly introduce a brand new character and loads of backstory that causes a tangle of nonsense within the climax.

The story turns into convoluted, and character depictions are frustratingly skinny. But after some whiz-bang motion, the sequel’s tone evens out with a finale that’s as soon as extra joyful and unapologetically girly. Ultimately, like its older sister, Practical Magic 2 presents a wild experience into completely different style influences. But it is undeniably a pleasure to see Kidman, Bullock, Wiest, and Channing again once more. They provide a path for witchy ladies who won’t be magic, however who boldly search love, self-contentment, and sisterhood even after they’re now not ingenues.

Through them, Practical Magic 2 is greater than a very good time; it is a supply of inspiration and hope in darkish occasions for ladies.

Practical Magic 2 opens on Sept. 11.