Legacy sequels are all the rage these days, for better or worse. Some, like Top Gun: Maverick or Creed, manage to recapture the magic and even surpass their predecessors. Others, like Zoolander 2 or Jurassic World Dominion, are so disappointing they tarnish the original's legacy. Unfortunately, Practical Magic 2 falls firmly into the latter category.
Set decades after the 1998 cult classic, the sequel reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian. The film opens with a revelation: the family curse that has plagued the Owens women for generations—dooming any man they love to an untimely death—is still very much active. Still scarred by the loss of her husband, Sally has made the drastic decision to erase all knowledge of magic from her daughters' minds, forcing Gillian to keep their powers a secret.
The plot kicks into gear when the family gathers for Aunt Jet's birthday, only for a tragedy to set off a chain of events that threatens them all. Kylie, now a young woman, flees to London in search of answers, with Sally and Gillian hot on her trail. They team up with an academic named Ian (Lee Pace) to find her, but a mysterious warlock (Solly McLeod) and ailing boyfriend (Xolo Maridueña) complicate matters.
The script is the film's biggest weakness. It's riddled with plot holes and narrative choices that feel inconsistent with the original's established lore. The conflict between Sally and Gillian, which should be the emotional core, feels flimsy and underdeveloped. The dialogue is painfully expository, with characters repeatedly stating the obvious, as if the audience isn't paying attention. The pacing is sluggish, and even the life-or-death stakes fail to generate any real tension.
Bullock and Kidman do their best with the material, and their undeniable chemistry is the film's saving grace. Their sisterly bond feels authentic, whether they're arguing or sharing a lighthearted moment. But even they can't elevate the weak script. Bullock is relegated to quirky anxiety and silly faces, while Kidman is mostly along for the ride. Lee Pace brings some charm to his role, but his character is ultimately half-baked.
Joey King, who steps in for Evan Rachel Wood as the adult Kylie, delivers the most compelling performance. She captures the character's sadness and recklessness, even if her storyline is predictable. The film's decision to age down the daughters was controversial, and one can't help but wonder what a different approach might have yielded.
Maisie Williams and Stockard Channing are sadly wasted, given little to do beyond the main plot. Williams's Antonia is defined solely by her nursing career, while Channing's Frances has a few sweet moments with Jet but is otherwise sidelined.
In the end, Practical Magic 2 is a charmless sequel that fails to capture the whimsy and heart of the original. It's a muddled mess that will leave even the most devoted fans feeling let down. For a better dose of magical nostalgia, you might want to revisit the original or check out Carnival Row instead.
