The latest installment in the Practical Magic franchise has drawn significant criticism from reviewers, earning just a 34 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Susanne Bier and reuniting Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters, the film arrives 28 years after the original. The sequel follows the siblings as they work to break a centuries-old family curse that kills any man they love, with their nieces now discovering magical powers of their own.
Critics have pointed to numerous issues with the production, including overly bright cinematography that lacks the atmospheric quality of the 1998 film, reliance on computer-generated imagery that undermines the subtlety of the original magic, and a lengthy runtime of 130 minutes. Reviewers have also complained about the shift of much of the action to London, keeping viewers away from the beloved New England estate that defined the first film’s appeal.
However, devoted fans appear unbothered by the negative reception. The original Practical Magic similarly faced harsh reviews upon release before becoming a beloved cult classic. Unlike critics seeking sophisticated cinema, the sequel was designed specifically for longtime supporters of the franchise who have awaited this reunion for nearly three decades. For this audience, the film celebrates the bond between the two sisters rather than catering to critical standards.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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