‘Practical Magic 2’ review: bewitched, bothered and slightly belaboured

Avery tardy sequel to Practical Magic, in 2026 – what kind of sorcery is this? When it was released 28 years ago, the original film was savaged by critics and performed passably at the box office. But since then, it’s become a stealthy cult classic, thanks largely to its witchy trappings and the charm of its female cast. READ MORE: The best films of 2026… so far! You might not remember that the plot follows two spell-casting sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) who accidentally kill an abusive boyfriend, then bring him back to life. You probably do remember them drinking midnight margaritas with their colourful aunts (Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest) to an inspired Harry Nilsson needle drop. As you’d expect from a sequel produced by Bullock and Kidman, two of Hollywood’s sharpest old-school stars, Practical Magic 2 effortlessly conjures the original’s nostalgic appeal. Director Susanne Bier (Bird Box), taking over from OG helmer Griffin Dunne, even summons the original’s luminous lighting. Serious sister Sally Owens (Bullock) is still living with her aunts in a covetable Massachusetts mansion, though her daughters Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams) are now gro...