In this recent wave of lackluster sequels to films from the late ’90s and early 2000s—The Devil Wears Prada 2, Freakier Friday, and Zootopia 2, to name a few—I really wasn’t expecting much from Practical Magic 2. But I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline is creative, the cast changes work, and, most importantly, the film still captures the magic of the original.
Based on the novel by Alice Hoffman and directed by Susanne Bier, the story picks up several years later with the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, played once again by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. After the death of her second husband from the Owens family witchcraft curse, Sally decides to give up her magical powers. She even erases her young daughters’ memories of witchcraft, hoping to protect them from the family’s troubled history. Gillian, meanwhile, is still her sultry, wild and free self. She respects her sister’s decision, but worries Sally isn’t being true to who she really is.
Sally’s daughters are now grown. Antonia, played by Maisie Williams, is completing her nursing degree, while Kylie, played by Joey King, is a college student experiencing first love with her boyfriend Gideon, played by Xolo Maridueña. And, of course, the great aunts are back. Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing return as Jet and Franny, although their roles are more limited this time around. They’re older now and nearing the end of their lives.
Once Kylie and Gideon fall in love, the family curse rears its ugly head again. There’s even a deathwatch beetle sending ominous warning clicks. An old magic book discovered by Jet reveals how the curse can be lifted. Kylie eventually discovers the truth—that the entire family are witches—and heads to England to save Gideon and break the curse.
Sally and Gillian follow, and along the way they meet Professor Ian Wright, played by Lee Pace, a magic expert who becomes very attracted to Sally. But, just like in the original, the road to victory is complicated and never easy.
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman slip effortlessly back into their roles as the Owens sisters. It feels as though they never left. Joey King and Maisie Williams are also terrific as the next generation of Owens women, and Wiest and Channing are wonderful as the
great aunts—although I definitely would have liked to see more of them.
The plot can be a little twisty and difficult to follow at times, but the pacing works well. There’s plenty of fun and levity, including, of course, a little Lime in the Coconut moment. The magic itself feels natural rather than overdone, and the soundtrack is enticing. And really, who can resist Landslide by Stevie Nicks?
For me, the message of Practical Magic 2 is to never be afraid to love, to embrace who you are—the good and the bad—and to trust that even when life gets difficult, somehow things can work out. And maybe most importantly, don’t take life too seriously. Enjoy the
moments you have and celebrate whenever you can.
Midnight Margaritas, anyone?
For the KSQD Film Gang: Molly Sullivan.