In “Practical Magic 2,” the Owens family curse resurfaces, prompting Kylie (Joey King) to journey to England for a cure, pursued by her mother Sally (Sandra Bullock) and aunt Gillian (Nicole Kidman). While witch tales possess a feminist essence, this sequel feels less inspired, joining other revival attempts that could be seen as unnecessary. Twenty-five years later, Kylie falls for Gideon (Xolo Maridueña), but the curse puts him in a coma, spurring her and her family to seek help from Ian Wright (Lee Pace), though he lacks the charisma of a memorable companion.
Despite its flaws, the film boasts a vibrant aesthetic, influenced by Stevie Nicks, and the return of beloved characters like Frances (Stockard Channing) and Jet (Dianne Wiest) adds a nostalgic charm. Their chemistry—marked by playful banter—creates engaging moments, even as the plot feels formulaic and dialogue disappointing. King holds her own, but Maisie Williams’ potential is wasted in a minor role.
More troubling is the film’s male-centered and heteronormative perspective, which diverges from the original’s focus on the bonds between women. The first film celebrated the camaraderie among sisters and aunts, but this sequel reverts to a conventional storyline centered around romantic love. While the Owens women are still captivating, the sequel ultimately sacrifices the original’s feminist spirit for an uninspired narrative, leaving the enchanting magic behind.
