“Practical Magic 2,” a sequel to the 1998 fantasy romance, arrives decades after the original and brings back Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens. Multiple outlets review the film’s attempt to continue the story, framing it as a long-awaited follow-up that features new cast members alongside the returning leads.
Most reviews agree that Bullock and Kidman remain the film’s central appeal, with their on-screen chemistry described as charming or spellbinding enough to carry parts of the sequel. However, outlets differ on how well the overall story and execution work. Several critics say the sequel is overlong and predictable, with a plot that feels convoluted or misdirected and limited use of supporting characters. Other criticism includes a lack of the original’s tone and atmosphere, with some reviewers citing a shift away from the warm, autumnal melancholy associated with the 1998 film.
At the same time, a number of reviewers characterize the movie as messy rather than entirely without value, pointing to its fantasy setup and the performances even as they argue the film does not match the magic of the original. Overall, reactions land in the negative-to-mixed range, with references to disappointing audience and critic response appearing across outlets.
