Early critics’ reactions to Practical Magic 2 do not look promising. The highly anticipated sequel’s reviews have arrived just days ahead of its theatrical release this month.
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman have reprised their roles as the witchy Owens sisters in Practical Magic 2, a sequel to the 1998 romantic fantasy hit. It is based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic.
Given the original movie’s beloved legacy, fans had high hopes and were excited to see Bullock and Kidman reunite on screen. However, early reactions criticize the movie’s long runtime, uneven pacing, and lack of the charm that made the first movie so memorable.
ComingSoon’s Jonathan Sim says, “PracticalMagic2 has some good moments, but won’t leave you bewitched. Kidman & Bullock have the best sister chemistry, but Joey King and Maisie Williams don’t have enough screen time together. Predictable, and the attempts at humor don’t work at all. Occasionally charming.”
Entertainment journalist Simon Thompson called Practical Magic 2 a “disappointingly tepid sequel that fails to conjure up much of anything – including the original’s whimsy.” He added, “At 130 mins, it’s overlong, the pacing is off, and the third act feels fumbled. It’s a wasted opportunity. There’s sadly little charm or magic here.”
Filmmaker Marc Zammit writes, “I love Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, but I have to say this film was terrible!! There were literally 5 different stories happening in the film! Barely any magic at all! And just felt exactly like the image a bunch of things mixing in a blender.”
Film critic Courtney Howard had a mixed reaction to the movie. “Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman’s chemistry carries the film,” she says. “But it’s 30 minutes too long w/ lots of “shoe leather.” Daughters’ dynamic dealt short shrift. It makes you work overtime to uncover good thematic resonance. A soundtrack left lacking hits.”
Joey King & Maisie Williams bring Kylie & Antonia back for Practical Magic 2
Practical Magic 2 brings Joey King and Maisie Williams on board as the next generation of the Owens. King plays Kylie Owens, Sally’s elder daughter, a role originated by Evan Rachel Wood. Meanwhile, Maisie Williams replaces Alexandra Artrip as Antonia Owens, Sally’s younger daughter.
The sequel also stars Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod.
Practical Magic 2 arrives in theaters on September 10.