We come to the theatre for magic: Practical Magic. The 1998 fall favorite finally got a sequel after 28 years. Iconic actresses Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman returned, joined by new faces in the Practical Magic family: Joey King, Maisie Williams, and Lee Pace. This movie displayed a beautiful image of sisterhood and true love.
The Practical Magic movies are based on novels of the same name published by Alice Hoffman. The late 90s flick follows the first novel, while Practical Magic 2 is based on the fourth novel in the series, The Book of Magic. This enchanting sequel follows the Owens sisters almost three decades after we last saw them. Sally Owens’ daughters, Antonia and Kylie, are now grown-ups, unaware of their witchy heritage after being shielded from the truth. Kylie’s love interest is in a coma, and the family must come together to break the family love curse.
This movie beautifully depicts how love isn’t always with a romantic partner. It can stem from the family we’re born into, or through shared history. The bond between Sally and Gillian Owens, even after all these years, creates this light force the audience can relate to. The Aunts, Jet and Frances, featured in the film, show this familial bond. These women looking out for one another display how important it is to build a strong support system for our well-being. Even a movie about a family of witches, cursed with their love interests dying, can have a deeper impact on the audience.
Practical Magic 2 reignited my appreciation for womanhood. The entire cast revolved around women, who society cast out for being witches. Growing up on the first movie helped me embrace my femininity and disinterest in pursuing a romantic relationship. Practical Magic 2 builds on this even more with both of Sally Owens’ daughters growing up to be strong, independent women. Antonia Owens is a reason-driven neurosurgeon, and Kylie Owens is a free-spirited art student who goes to London to save the one she loves most.
A movie showing self-reliant women banding together matters to young girls in the audience. Social Cognitive Theory states that people learn behaviors by observing others. Women-centric movies help promote acceptance among girls of all ages. Plus, Practical Magic 2 is directed by Susanne Bier, the cherry on top for this feminine film.
Sadly, some parts of the movie felt stiff, especially when the main actresses couldn’t express much emotion. The lack of feeling displayed by the Owens Sisters was disappointing. The Botox epidemic continues to spread through Hollywood as the women we are supposed to look up to for inspiration attempt to stop the aging process. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s acting is stiffer in this new film, as we make space for the silent actor on screen: Botox and filler.
This issue is bigger overall, though. The fewer women embracing the aging process, the less emotion we see. During important emotional climaxes, I felt myself cringing at their inability to cry or show distress. We need to normalize women embracing who they are now, not focusing on who they were in the past.
As a fan of the original movie, I was sad to see Sally Owens’ second husband was unable to escape their curse. After saying goodbye to Officer Gary Hallet, the sequel introduces us to a new hottie: Professor Ian Wright, played by Lee Pace. He is Sally’s love interest, tatted from head to toe and a practitioner of magic. Sally is hesitant to let herself fall in love again because her past relationships ended in despair and heartbreak. With her family’s help, she learns to let her guard down and do things for herself.
This film left me feeling more whimsical and joyful about being a woman. It taught me about sisterhood and the importance of living for yourself. Plus, we get a fun dance montage at the end featuring the classic Midnight Margaritas. To tie it all up, Olivia Rodrigo’s The Cure was included in this modern take on magic. Practical Magic 2 may differ from the original, but it still warms your heart.
Sally Owens sums it up best: “Always throw salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for good luck, and fall in love whenever you can.”