Sequel to 'Practical Magic' Struggles with a Cluttered Script
The long-awaited sequel reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters, but a busy screenplay prevents the film from capturing the charm of the original. The story picks up two decades later, with Sally's daughters now grown and unaware of their magical heritage. Despite the cast's chemistry, the plot's many twists leave little room for meaningful character development.
The sequel adapts Alice Hoffman's 2021 novel *The Book of Magic*, shifting the setting from the original's Massachusetts town to an England road trip. It introduces new characters, including Sally's grown daughters played by Joey King and Maisie Williams, alongside a British expert portrayed by Lee Pace.
Screenwriters Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel crafted the busy narrative, which the review criticizes for sidelining the leads' chemistry. The film is scheduled for a September 11 theatrical release, marking a 28-year gap since the original cult favorite.
The film's release could reignite interest in the original 1998 cult classic, potentially boosting its streaming numbers and physical media sales. Fans of the original actresses may feel nostalgic, but the critical reception suggests a mixed response could dampen box-office longevity. The casting of younger stars like Joey King and Maisie Williams could attract a new generation, though the cluttered script may limit the film's cultural footprint compared to its predecessor.