‘Practical Magic 2’ Review: A Nostalgic Sequel That Captures Its Coven’s Charm

Nearly three decades after the Owens sisters first enchanted audiences, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return to their broomsticks for a long-awaited sequel that finally gives the cult classic the follow-up it deserves. Directed by Susanne Bier and loosely based on Alice Hoffman’s later novel, the film revisits the family curse that has plagued the Owens women for generations, this time focusing on the next generation of witches portrayed by Joey King and Maisie Williams as they inherit both the magic and the misfortune of love.

The film heavily leans into nostalgia, reuniting Bullock and Kidman alongside Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, who reprise their roles as the delightfully quirky aunts that anchored the original’s chaotic charm. There’s a genuine warmth in watching these four actresses effortlessly slip back into their familiar rhythms, and the film capitalizes on the goodwill this reunion generates for anyone who grew up quoting the first movie.

However, the sequel struggles to carve out a new narrative. The plot recycles the emotional core of its predecessor almost beat for beat, sending a new generation through a similar doomed romance and last-minute magical rescue that defined the 1998 film. This sense of déjà vu becomes hard to ignore by the midpoint, as it feels more focused on honoring the original’s cult status than exploring new territory.

That said, the film’s imperfections contribute to its charm rather than detract from it. Like its predecessor, it juggles multiple tones, shifting from broad comedy to teenage romance to genuine grief without fully committing to any one style. Yet, the entire experience holds together thanks to the undeniable charisma of its leads. Bullock and Kidman’s sisterly chemistry remains electric, with their scenes together standing out as the film’s strongest moments.

The younger cast delivers mixed results. King and Williams bring energy and a believable sibling dynamic, but the screenplay offers them less depth than their predecessors, relying on shorthand rather than developing their arcs. Lee Pace and Xolo Maridueña round out the supporting cast but leave little lasting impression, serving more as narrative devices than fully fleshed-out characters.

Visually, the film shifts from the original’s scrappy, homemade witchcraft aesthetic to more polished and elaborate spellcasting sequences, resulting in a mixed outcome. While it appears more refined, some of the lo-fi, herb garden intimacy that made the Owens house feel lived-in is lost. Additionally, the runtime stretches longer than necessary, with the latter half meandering before hastily concluding.

Where the film excels is in its emotional sincerity. Beneath the uneven pacing and familiar plot lies a heartfelt story about generational trauma, the fear of losing loved ones, and the comfort of being surrounded by family who understand your quirks without needing an explanation. When it embraces this sincerity over spectacle, the sequel achieves its most touching moments.

I left the theater feeling entertained rather than dazzled, charmed by its cast and cozy autumnal atmosphere, even as the screenplay played it too safe for a franchise with such potential. It never fully establishes its own identity apart from the original, but the chemistry among its leads and the heartfelt family themes elevate it beyond what the script warrants. For fans of the first film seeking a nostalgic experience rather than a bold reinvention, it delivers exactly what it promises. My score for ‘Practical Magic 2’ is 7 out of 10.

Let me know in the comments if this sequel cast the same spell on you or if you were hoping for something bolder.