Practical Magic 2 Review: Nicole Kidman Shines, But This Sequel Casts A Weak Spell

Published Sep 9, 2026, 8:20 AM EDT

From there, the narrative jumps forward in time about a decade, making way for the introduction of new cast members Maisie Williams and Joey King as the older versions of Sally's daughters, Antonia and Kylie, respectively. Neither now remembers that they are witches, thanks to a spell cast by their mother and aunt for, at least by Sally's logic, their protection. Antonia has therefore entered a very mainstream career path as a doctor, studying to become a neurosurgeon, whereas Kylie's characterization centers primarily on her being the chaotic sister (hint: they represent Sally and Gillian).

It comes as no surprise when this plan to conceal the truth completely blows up in Sally's face – especially because the Owens women's curse, which causes anyone they romantically love to die, is still very much in effect. What ensues is a plot that, in theory, explores questions of identity, family, self-actualization, and love, but in practice often leaves audiences perplexed or trying to stifle bouts of laughter so as not to disturb other theater-goers.

Practical Magic 2's Messy Plot & Clunky Dialogue Don't Totally Sink The Ship

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Practical Magic 2 is how disorganized it feels. There are absolutely moments when this sequel captured precisely the feeling that made the original such a phenomenon, most of them involving Nicole Kidman. But there seemed to be just as many scenes packed with cringe-worthy lines that elicited audible groans and laughter when that clearly wasn't the intention. (My theater reacted particularly raucously to the line "my molecules near your molecules," and not in a good way).

Paired with lines that at some points had me literally looking away out of embarrassment is a plot that is disjointed at best and illogical at worst. We don't even meet the villain of the story until at least an hour in, and the confrontation feels as though it ends as swiftly, although not nearly as belatedly, as it begins. In fact, it's easy to forget who the villain even is, because the movie's approach to the narrative is somewhere between scattershot and throwing spaghetti at the wall.

This approach, intentional or not, also led to some unfortunate inconsistencies. For example, Sally uses magic to shatter a room full of glass cabinets, only for there to be no broken glass in the very next shot; such lack of attention to detail is legitimately surprising for a movie of this scale and with this much interest behind it.

It is likewise due in large part to the unwieldy plot that Practical Magic 2 has a grave show-don't-tell problem, wherein the characters directly say things like, "We're the aunts now" or "I can't believe a year has passed." The fact that product placement was waiting around every corner certainly didn't help (there's little doubt that American Airlines struck some sort of deal with Warner Bros. for this one).

Part of that messiness seems born out of the fact that Practical Magic 2 can't decide if this is a story centered on Sally and Gillian, or one focused on the next generation. In theory, the film could have interwoven both, but perhaps because so many of the characters remain compartmentalized in their own storylines, it translates as more of a push-and-pull and less like a true ensemble.

Image via MovieStillsDB

Despite these flaws, there's plenty that still makes Practical Magic 2 worth a watch. Yes, disarmingly bad lines are peppered throughout, but there are far more genuine laugh lines. Kidman in particular shines, although, unsurprisingly, her scenes with Bullock are undoubtedly her best. It seems the passage of time didn't affect these actresses' ability to perfectly portray just how complex sister dynamics can be, all while charming the audience with their wit and, at times, downright silliness.

The movie also largely manages to avoid the common sequel pitfall of leaning too heavily upon nostalgia. There were certainly times when it was clear that a scene was angling for a strong fan reaction to a callback, but for the most part, Practical Magic 2 does present its own narrative, untidy and cumbersome though it sometimes is. Despite its flaws, it's easy to see that fans of the original will have plenty of fun donning a witchy outfit, ordering a festive drink, and watching Kidman and Bullock play these chaotic, lovable, and occasionally slightly Freudian sisters again.

Practical Magic 2 releases in theaters on Friday, September 11.

Release Date September 11, 2026

Runtime 130 Minutes

Director Susanne Bier

Writers Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett

Cast

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  Sandra Bullock

  Sally Owens

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