Practical Magic 2 – Budget of $75 million – 2 hours and 10 minutes
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Sally thought the curse was broken until Gary died. At his grave, she cast a spell to make Antonia and Kylie forget their magical gifts. Gilly begged her not to, but Sally asked her to keep it a secret, and Gilly agreed. Today, Antonia is kind, responsible, and studying to be a neurosurgeon. Kylie is impulsive, loving, and an art student, and she has more in common with her aunt than her mom. Sally closed her store and became a librarian. Aunt Jet follows a raven to the library, hears a book call to her, and takes it home after it burns her hands. She reads that it can break the curse, but the pages are stuck together, so she leaves it for Franny with a note.
Before Antonia and Kylie arrive, Gilly hears the death beetle. Jet admits she’s heard it for a week and says today will be her last day on earth. She asks them not to tell Antonia and Kylie because she wants to have fun. Antonia and Kylie enter and hear the beetle, but the others ignore it. As the elder women laugh, Jet dies, and Franny turns off the back light and tells customers they are closed today.
The wake becomes too much for Kylie, and she runs upstairs to find Gilly crying. They embrace. Kylie sees the raven book, walks to it, and touches it. It burns her, and she drops it immediately. Then, everyone gets a surprise. Kylie’s boyfriend, Gideon, came to town to support her. Sally quietly panics inside while greeting him. Afterward, Kylie and Gideon spend time together, and she confesses her love for him.
Kylie wakes up with a horrible feeling in her chest. She runs to the courtyard and sees an ambulance taking Gideon away. A car struck him while he shopped for flowers. He falls into a coma, and Kylie runs to her mother for answers. Gilly pushes Sally to admit they are witches; she erased their memory of magic, and the curse is real. Sadly, Gideon will perish like all the other men who loved an Owens woman. Kylie runs to Jet’s room, finds the book, and flips through the pages. She takes the book to the hospital. While holding the book, Kylie has a vision that directs her to London. There, she can find a way to unstick the pages and lift the curse. She asks Antonia to watch over Gideon while she’s gone.
Sally can’t contact Kylie. Soon Franny realizes the raven book is missing. It contains dark magic. And in the hands of an untrained witch, the book could possess her. Franny gives them the name of a London seer, Ian, who can help them. She demands they leave now. Sally is furious that Gilly forced her to tell the truth. However, they must work together to save Kylie.
Based on ‘The Book of Magic’ by Alice Hoffman, this fantasy film depends on witchcraft and sisterhood to drive your imagination and emotions (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The writers kept the original lure of the first film while answering a few questions. Sally and Gary did not live happily ever after. The curse also came for him. The sets felt practical and believable, even outside Massachusetts. Even though Kylie goes to London, she doesn’t venture into the bustling city. Instead, she travels the countryside, which feels otherworldly. The Owens in natural settings with light and foliage feel real and fantastical at once. The special effects are mechanical and visual. When Sally is angry, the cabinet doors open and explode. As Kylie learns about her gifts, the smoke travels through her fingers. The visuals are small but powerful. The larger effect at the end is campy but fits within the scene. The director ensures you see the women’s hands when they hug. They grab onto each other like they are holding on to a liferaft. Their bond is strong because they need each other for support. The costumes are bohemian chic for the wild Owens women, and respectable for the others. However, the elder Owens women adorn clothing closely related to witchcraft. Viewers should see the first film to understand the Owens’ bond, their quick wit, and continuous discomfort. This film is too long, with unnecessary train rides and bar visits. While it’s not as good as the first, it is an extremely close second.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I love you – Kylie
No magic is stronger than sisterhood – Franny
Shenanigans – Jet
Terrifying either way – Antonia
You ignore your heritage at your peril – Ian
Technically, a lime in a coconut is a piña colada – Gilly
Your boyfriend? – Sally
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