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Practical Magic 2 Misses the Mark Despite Star Power
10 Sep
Summary
- The sequel ignores a key plot point from the original film immediately.
- New cast members join as older versions of the original characters' daughters.
- The film struggles with a disjointed plot and awkward dialogue.
Twenty-eight years after the original film, Practical Magic 2 has been released, yet it frequently misses the mark. The sequel begins by nullifying a significant plot element from the first movie's conclusion. The narrative then advances about ten years, introducing Maisie Williams and Joey King as the adult versions of Sally's daughters. They no longer remember their witch heritage due to a spell their mother cast for their safety.
The plan to hide their abilities backfires as the Owens women's curse, which causes their romantic partners to die, remains active. The film attempts to explore themes of identity and love but often leaves viewers confused or suppressing laughter. Practical Magic 2 feels disorganized, with Nicole Kidman providing memorable moments, though other scenes are marred by embarrassing dialogue.
The plot is disjointed, and the villain appears late, with a confrontation that ends abruptly. Inconsistencies, such as magically shattered glass reappearing intact, plague the film. A significant "show, don't tell" issue arises, with characters explicitly stating plot points. The sequel also struggles to decide whether to focus on the original sisters or the next generation.
Despite its flaws, the film offers genuine laughs, particularly when Kidman and Bullock share scenes, effectively portraying complex sister dynamics. It manages to avoid excessive reliance on nostalgia, presenting its own narrative, albeit an untidy one. Fans of the original are still expected to enjoy the familiar themes and performances when Practical Magic 2 releases in theaters on Friday, September 11.
