Directed by Susanne Bier

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, Dianne Wiest, Stockard Channing

In 1998, Practical Magic debuted on the screen, later extending its life on video shelves across the country and eventually coexisting among the millions of popular titles on the streaming platforms. Then, in 2026, comes Practical Magic 2, after 28 years (to my surprise), bringing back mostly the same cast: Bullock (Sally), Kidman (Gillian), Wiest (Jet), and Channing (Frances). However, the story’s duration here is a lot less in years, so Joey King and Maisie Williams (as sisters Kylie and Antonia, respectively) are cast as the Owens children to fit that slightly younger timespan.

As in the original, the Owens women are a family of witches who live by an ancient curse in which anyone they fall in love with would die a horrible death. In this latest installment, it is the Owens children, specifically Kylie, who finally learns of that burden. With Mom Sally hiding their magical potential, Kylie falls for Gideon (Maridueña), a college classmate, and we can only guess what happens through the predictable chain of events afterwards.

Practical Magic 2 keeps the 90s nostalgic vibe intact from the original, and that is one of its strengths. Reminds me of being at my folks’ house during summer break, where I get to catch up on all the video rentals I’d missed while in college.

Bullock and Kidman add a pro sheen to the production—we are dealing with 2 Oscar winners here, Botox and all. It is light romantic fare, with touches of tears and slapstick. So, yes, it keeps true to its DNA. Wiest and Channing do their thing, which is fine. Lee Pace fills in for Bullock’s love interest, but the chemistry doesn’t seem to be there. This is mostly Joey King’s movie, and Maisie Williams is pretty much wasted.

Practical Magic 2, light in weight and substance, still provides a respite from the real world. The lesson being we all need a little magic here and there despite all the craziness. But it’s hard to ignore the idea of a sequel 28 years later (no pun intended), especially when the original seemed completely out of my radar. It’s a sign that Hollywood has run out of ideas and would rather cash in what they can than come up with something new.

In its defense, Practical Magic 2 does hit a nostalgic and tender niche, one that portrays the beauty of sisterhood and family. It’s no Little Women, but that’s ok. If this is your thing, you might give it a go, but waiting for streaming would be practical.

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