Practical Magic 2 is an Infectious, Fun Look at Love and Grief

 

In 1995, Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic” hit bookshelves and our lives would never be the same when the Owens sisters hit the big screen a mere three years later.  “There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.” Words from Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock) that can never be underestimated and prove to be more than its weight in gold as the sisters reunite for yet another adventure in love, grief and loss.

Based on Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic, this sequel stars Sandra Bullock (Sally Owens), Nicole Kidman (Gillian Owens), Dianne Wiest (Bridget) and Stockard Channing (Aunt Frances Owns) reprising their roles, alongside new cast members Joey King (Kylie Ownes), Lee Pace (Professor Ian Wright), Maisie Williams (Antonia Owens), Xolo Maridueña (Gideon), and Solly McLeod (Thomas Lockland).

When Kylie and Gideon fall in love, the Owens curse takes hold not allowing love to prevail.  Having none of this, Kylie treks to England, where she believes she can break the curse and have her happily ever after.

Magic may make relationships complicated, but there is nothing complicated about the wickedly, witchy, humorous love and respect Bullock and Kidman have for each other on and off the screen.  After crafting a career full of dramatic roles, watching Nicole Kidman embrace her silly, sex side is loads of fun.  Bullock is naturally comical, but like Kidman,  can twist and turn her characters in such a manner that we root for the happiness, while allowing a tear to stream at the vulnerable and poignant moments throughout.

Particularly, when Sally encounters an overwhelming attraction to Professor Ian Wright.  Their chemistry was scorching and had me sucking down my Midnight Strawberry Margarita like I was experiencing the ultimate hot flash!  Yup! You heard me right!

Now, it’s common knowledge the role of Kylie was previously inhabited by Evan Rachel Wood and has now been recast with Joey King.  Having to inhabit such a role in a beloved franchise King had her work cut out for her.  She delivers in spades and holds her own in every scene with an exquisite unique aura making the audience resonate with Kylie’s journey. Loved Maisie Williams (Antonia) as her comic timing is fabulous.  I just wish we had been able to experience more of her in the film.

Knowing that every family has its own trauma culminating in making those members victims of the ancestors pain, it was heartwarming to see the elders take their place among the ancestors while still bringing us joy with grace, class and humanity.

Practical Magic 2 is proof that just because our loved ones leave this realm, they live on for eternity through the living who continue to speak their name and pass on their teachings.   If could watch it a million times, with snacks and margaritas – of course!