PRACTICAL MAGIC 2

'Practical Magic 2' is a serviceable sequel that doesn't rile on call backs to the original film but the chemistry between Bullock and Kidman. When those two are back together on screen the film is really fun. The story on the other hand weighs this down. Where the first film had at times almost too little happening and relied on vibes, this time around the plot is going full throttle. Outside of Sally and Gillian the rest of the cast is separated for most of the time and sent on side quests. Additionally for a franchise about sisterhood Kylie and Antonia have little to do together, with Antonia taking a backseat for most of the film, never leaving Massachusetts.

The magic lore also expands in the sequel, having much more magic than the 1998 film. This goes back and forth of being interesting and building on the world in an exciting way to being convoluted and going against what little lore there was to begin with.

My biggest gripe is the ages of the daughters, Kylie the oldest daughter was 8/9 in the original film and Antonia was 6/7, here 25 years later they should be 33/34 and 31/32. However, in the film Kylie is in college making her closer to 19/20, with Antonia appearing older as she is a full-time nurse. I understand this film is based the book but it is weird to specifically set it 25 years later, when they could have just set it earlier, it did not need to be set in the current day.

My other personal gripe, and I'll admit 'Practical Magic' isn't something I am nostalgic for, but we are acting like this sequel is what the world has been waiting for? This is a cult classic yes but it's not 'The Devil Wears Prada' or 'Hocus Pocus' it's much lower on the pop culture totem pole. It's great to Kidman and Bullock together again yes, but the marketing is making it seem like this is one of the biggest cinematic returns since 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'.

'Practical Magic 2' is the perfect example of a serviceable nostalgic sequel; it does not justify its existence, but it's enjoyable enough to get a pass. For the die-hards, I'm sure they will enjoy spending more time with these characters; the callbacks to the original are done tastily and sparingly, and for everyone else it's going to be a fine time. Bullock and Kidman are fun to see on the big screen, and sometimes that's all you need, and of course, a Midnight Margarita!