In 2026, "Practical Magic 2" arrives in theaters, aiming to recreate the magic of its predecessor through the sheer drawing power of its lead stars, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. While the original "Practical Magic" was not a box office smash in 1998, it achieved a respectable $47 million in North America and opened at number one. Its performance was comparable to films like "Meet Joe Black" but avoided the "flop" tag due to a lower budget.
Enduring Appeal
The enduring appeal of "Practical Magic" can be attributed to its "cozy, folksy sister-bonding movie" nature, with elements of romance and a touch of the supernatural. This has cemented its status as a "sleepover classic" for a generation of millennial women who were young in the late 1990s. The film's "midnight margarita" scene, in particular, has become a memorable touchstone.
Star Power Then and Now
Both Bullock and Kidman have significantly increased their star wattage since the original "Practical Magic." In 1998, Kidman was already a prominent figure, known for her beauty and roles in films like "Batman Forever" and "Malice," with her major breakthroughs in "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Others" coming in the early 2000s. "Practical Magic" was notable for casting her in a role beyond a typical love interest. Bullock, meanwhile, held onto her "America's Sweetheart" image following successes such as "Speed" and "While You Were Sleeping."
'Practical Magic 2' and Its Rhythms
"Practical Magic 2" is largely shaped by Bullock's persona, with Kidman providing a more consistent and knowingly nuanced performance. While Bullock is a capable comic actress, her role in the sequel leans towards a "put-upon voice of fake reason," characterized by repetitive dialogue that fills much of the script. The film's pacing and reliance on exposition and banter, rather than sharper wit, contribute to its extended runtime. This tendency for verbal stalls, according to critics, feels like Bullock slipping into a familiar comfort zone.
The sequel's narrative sees the original curse, which threatened the lives of men who loved the witch sisters Sally (Bullock) and Gillian (Kidman), still in effect. Sally's daughters, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams), are now grown, and the curse's resurgence threatens Kylie's boyfriend, prompting a new effort to break it. However, the plot is described as being heavily burdened by exposition and repetitive dialogue, extending the film to 130 minutes.
Directed by Susanne Bier, who previously worked with Bullock on "Bird Box" and Kidman on "The Perfect Couple," "Practical Magic 2" offers "lite" horror elements with a "newly superhero-ish" aesthetic that is deemed visually unappealing. Despite the star power of its leads, the film is seen as more of a statement of their enduring careers than a compelling cinematic work. Critics suggest that "Practical Magic 2" is better suited for home viewing, recommending audiences wait for its availability on streaming services rather than seeing it in theaters.