Practical Magic 2
Dustin Chase
The original “Practical Magic” film was no masterpiece. You could argue (and many did) it wasn’t even very good. Yet it’s a film that for some of us put a time stamp on 1998. Few films evolve beyond simply good or bad, but “Practical Magic” was one of those “ahead of its time”. Whimsical is often used to describe the positive feeling it left you with. The production design, especially the Owens house, was as much a character as it’s cast back in 1998, as was the San Juan Islands in Washington where it was shot. The soundtrack became a classic and introduced a new generation to Stevie Nicks. Despite the box office and critical failure of the original, the bubbling cauldron of genres more about sisterhood and family than witches or magic, grew into a cult classic over the last 28 years. Even before the sequel was announced you could visit locations in Washington State that still proudly boasted and used iconography from the decades old film.
Twenty years after the Owens sisters came out as witches, covered up a murder, and jumped off the roof to celebrate Halloween, things have been somewhat normal. Sally (Sandra Bullock) lost her second husband to the family curse, resulting in her abandoning magic all together. Her final spell wiped her two daughters’ memories of magic and forcing her sister Gillian (Nicole Kidman) never to mention it. Now that her oldest daughter Kylie (Joey King) is dating and in love,
“This sequel forgets more than it remembers about what made the original so special.”
the centuries-old curse rears its ugly head causing friction within the family. Forced to embrace who they are and their power, the women must go deeper into the past to understand why Maria Owens cast the spell that evolved into a curse, and what other secrets their ancestor hid.
Original director Griffin Dunne is replaced by Sandra Bullock’s “Bird Box” director Susanne Bier. Although I think there was a missed opportunity for Bullock’s Texas neighbor Terrence Mallick to direct “Practical Magic 2.” What fans loved about the original film wasn’t the plot or the suspense, it was the quieter, ruminating moments. Give us Sally and Gilly just shuffling around the Owens house with the aunts, learning the history of the ancestors while Stevie Nicks music plays. This sequel forgets more than it remembers about what made the original so special. It’s too focused on magic and spells which were a garnish in the original. This sequel produced by Kidman and Bullock works best in its lighter, nostalgic and comedic moments; Stumbling when it takes itself too seriously.
It’s a bit shocking how little of the film takes place in the house this time around, after such care and work was implemented to reproduce and expand the iconic house. The missed opportunity for a new Stevie Nicks song, when she stated years ago she would love to be included, is a huge let down. Although her iconic “Landslide” is used in a very special way. Also missing is quirky towns people played memorably by the likes of Margo Martindale and Chloe Webb. Kidman seamlessly revives Gillian Owens, she doesn’t miss a beat of the original performance. Lee Pace is also a nice addition here. The main plot which unfortunately centers around Kylie Owens (King) is the least compelling element to the story. “Practical Magic 2” is a bumpy ride but rallies at 11:59. “We are the aunts now,” Sally says.
Final Thought
Works best in lighter, comedic moments, when it’s not taking itself so seriously.