---
title: "Practical Magic 2"
year: 2026
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/practical-magic-2"
fi1m_id: "practical-magic-2"
imdb_id: "tt32588798"
tmdb_id: 1302904
wikidata_id: "Q131901398"
fi1m_score: 48
critics_score: 53
critics_reviews: 23
published: "2026-09-14"
updated: "2026-09-30T06:01:34.984962+00:00"
region: "ES"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Practical Magic 2 (2026)

Directed by Susanne Bier · 2h 10m · Romance, Fantasy, Comedy

## Identity

Practical Magic 2

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/practical-magic-2
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** practical-magic-2
- **IMDb ID:** tt32588798
- **TMDB ID:** 1302904
- **Wikidata ID:** Q131901398
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32588798/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1302904, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131901398

**Fi1m score: 48** · Critics 53 from 23 reviews

*In a sentence:* Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are welcome back; the extra half-hour need not have come

> Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman still make convincing sisters, but Susanne Bier’s sequel is a disappointment. A muddled, overlong story leaves their warmth doing most of the work.

## Synopsis

Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman) return to a family whose dealings with magic complicate questions of love and belonging. The Owens family faces its curse and the inheritance of powers that connect one generation to another. Aunt Jet (Dianne Wiest) and Aunt Frances (Stockard Channing) join a cast that includes Joey King as Kylie Owens and Maisie Williams as Antonia Owens. Susanne Bier directs this romantic fantasy comedy about family ties and accepting a magical heritage, with Xolo Maridueña as Gideon and Lee Pace as Ian Wright.

## Review

*Practical Magic 2* is a disappointing sequel with two leads who make us wish it were better. Director Susanne Bier brings Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman back as Sally and Gillian Owens for a family fantasy concerned with inherited magic, love and sisterly loyalty. Those are perfectly serviceable reasons to return, and the film need not apologise for wanting to be comforting. The trouble is how often it relies on the pleasure of recognition when it ought to be giving these people something worth doing.

Bullock remains the most persuasive reason to stay, giving Sally a warmth that makes her stiffness amusing rather than merely tiresome. Kidman’s freer Gillian loosens things up, and together they suggest sisters whose differences no longer need explaining. We were touched by their ease together: they make the sisters’ affection credible even when the dialogue is awkward. The reunion also includes Dianne Wiest’s Aunt Jet and Stockard Channing’s Aunt Frances, though their limited time leaves us wishing for more of them.

Akiva Goldsman and Georgia Pritchett’s screenplay has a less convincing claim on our attention. The family curse and expanded magical history ought to give the reunion some urgency, but the plot feels both thin and unnecessarily tangled, requiring more explanation than its people can comfortably carry. The sentiment turns sugary, and the writing too often asks the performers to make awkward material sound spontaneous. Joey King plays Kylie Owens and Maisie Williams plays Antonia Owens, but the broader family never becomes as compelling as the central pair.

At 130 minutes, the film gives its slender story an unhelpful amount of space. Sam Williams’s editing does not find a steady rhythm: conversations feel crowded, yet the plot is slow to move. There are stretches when the film appears to be waiting for our affection to do the work, and the muddled plotting makes that wait harder. A romantic fantasy can afford to wander, but this one rarely makes the detours feel worth taking.

Simon Duggan’s cinematography favours jewel colours and a polish that sometimes makes the surroundings feel too carefully arranged to live in. Tom Burton’s production design offers inviting, luxurious spaces, while Alexandra Byrne’s costumes provide something to enjoy when the dialogue cannot. These are substantial pleasures in a film that wants us to enjoy spending time with its family, though the gloss can become oppressive. Bier is less successful at giving the magic much force; the mild spookiness seldom unsettles the cosy atmosphere.

Rupert Gregson-Williams supplies the music, but the score does less to persuade us of the family’s closeness than the actors do. A romantic fantasy needs some surprise in its courtships or its magic, and this one offers too little of either. Bier makes room for tenderness, particularly around the older characters, and that is worth acknowledging. The conventional storytelling nevertheless makes this family’s powers less interesting than they ought to be.

If Bullock and Kidman together are enough to settle the evening, there is pleasure here, but we would not recommend it for the story. The fantasy needs sharper writing, and the comedy needs more room to let a joke land. Go for the company only if a long evening is part of the appeal.

*Fi1m score 48, published 14 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus leans negative, though the reviews repeatedly find pleasure in Bullock and Kidman’s chemistry and the returning cast. Even several detractors credit Bullock’s warmth, while more receptive critics enjoy the sisterly bond, comforting atmosphere and occasional emotional force. The recurring qualification is that these performances carry a sequel whose script gives them too little to work with, relying heavily on affection for the original.

Reservations cluster around thin or convoluted plotting, uneven pacing and a running time that tests goodwill. The spread is wide: some critics find a cosy reunion, while others see calculated nostalgia and characters denied meaningful development. There is also a direct disagreement about its treatment of women: Empire finds the sequel disappointingly conventional and male-centred, whereas The New York Times welcomes less fixation on men and a sometimes moving story about accepting family heritage and personal power.

## Straight answers

**Is Practical Magic 2 worth watching?**

*Practical Magic 2* is not worth watching for the story, and we scored it 48. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are still convincing sisters, and their ease together is the one dependable pleasure, but Susanne Bier's sequel is muddled, sugary and half an hour too long. Go only for the company, and only if a long evening is part of the appeal.

**How long is Practical Magic 2, and what is it rated?**

*Practical Magic 2* runs 2h 10m. It is a romance and fantasy film.

**Where can I watch Practical Magic 2 in Spain?**

*Practical Magic 2* is available to buy from Amazon Prime Video from €16.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Practical Magic 2, and is it suitable for children?**

*Practical Magic 2* is a 12A romantic fantasy comedy whose magic is mild and cosy rather than frightening. The spookiness seldom unsettles the warm atmosphere, so most children of about twelve and up should be fine, and there is nothing here to trouble the squeamish. The certificate points to some adult themes around love and family, not violence.

**How does Practical Magic 2 compare to Howl's Moving Castle?**

*Practical Magic 2* is the weaker film beside [*Howl's Moving Castle*](https://film.one/film/howls-moving-castle), though both concern odd magical households full of affection and quarrels. Miyazaki's fantasy also has a tangled plot, but it is funny, tender and surprising in ways Bier's sequel is not. Choose the Owens sisters only if Bullock and Kidman are the point; otherwise the walking castle is the better company.

**What should I watch after Practical Magic 2?**

After *Practical Magic 2*, try [*The Witches of Eastwick*](https://film.one/film/the-witches-of-eastwick) (1987, Fi1m 73): Three women discover that supernatural company can make ordinary trouble considerably worse. Then [*Howl's Moving Castle*](https://film.one/film/howls-moving-castle) (2004, Fi1m 81): An unconventional magical household offers affection, quarrels and rather more surprising inhabitants.

### Reviews we read (23)

- **IndieWire**, Alison Foreman (85/100, inferred): The critic finds Susanne Bier’s sequel a touching and spellbinding follow-up that lets viewers fall in love again with the witchy story. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman deliver an adorable reunion that breaks hearts in the best way. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/practical-magic-2-review-sandra-bullock-nicole-kidman-1235215192/)
- **The New York Times**, Alissa Wilkinson (78/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel exactly what was expected: a sweet, sometimes moving film about accepting family heritage and coming into one's own power. It is more tonally congruous than the original, with less stereotyping and fixation on men. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/10/movies/practical-magic-2-review.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (77/100, inferred): For fans of the original, the sequel hits familiar notes while expanding the lore and preserves Bullock and Kidman's chemistry. Bullock remains the heart of the story as the uptight Sally who learns to embrace life and her power for her family's sake; it is a bit cheesy but fun. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-09-11/practical-magic-2-review-nicole-kidman-sandra-bullock-joey-king-lee-pace)
- **The Guardian** (77/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel an odd but appealing nostalgia-bait return that doubles down on the original's idiosyncratic tone and kookiness. Warm seasonal pleasures and the stars' chemistry provide enough magic despite messy elements. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/sep/08/practical-magic-2-movie-review)
- **Financial Times** (75/100, inferred): The review sees the sequel as knowing camp that confirms we are stuck in the 1990s, with a canny mix of romantasy elements; judging by conventional standards is pointless and the spell may hold for fans. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/5eaf77a5-5804-489e-987c-d16f7c16b09b)
- **The Times** (63/100, inferred): The review highlights the return of Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as the Owens sisters in the sequel to the 1998 film. It notes the presence of additional characters including a well-hung occultist. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/practical-magic-2-review-cvv282lvw)
- **Radio Times** (3/5): Susanne Bier's direction brings some focus and the leads' chemistry shines in a likeable if uneven sequel that emphasises sisterly solidarity and fun spells over darkness. It is mildly spooky and enjoyable but feels long with some odd casting choices. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/practical-magic-2-review/)
- **Time Out**, India Lawrence (3/5): The sequel reunites the Owens sisters and aunts in a legacy story that leans on sisterhood and the original's charm but feels overly polished and cloying in places. It delivers a cosy, emotional core with strong performances from the leads despite a cheesy script. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/practical-magic-2-review-2026)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Angie Han (56/100, inferred): The critic notes the film is harmless but hardly enchanting, praising the chemistry between Bullock and Kidman while criticizing the slapdash script and lack of emotional depth. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/practical-magic-2-review-sandra-bullock-nicole-kidman-1236687473/)
- **The Observer**, Wendy Ide (50/100, inferred): The short capsule notes the sequel reunites the key cast for fans of the original but calls it overlong, muddled and sporadically amusing, likely to test even dedicated loyalists' patience. [Read](https://observer.co.uk/culture/film/article/wendy-ides-pick-of-the-other-films-pressure-practical-magic-2-oasis-dont-look-back-in-anger-fall-2-deadpoint-better-go-mad-in-the-wild)
- **Empire**, Leila Latif (40/100, inferred): The sequel trades the original’s unruly feminist magic for something disappointingly conventional and male-centred. Pleasures remain in the jewel-toned aesthetic, costuming, architecture and the enchanting cast reunions, but the magic is lacking. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/practical-magic-2/)
- **Little White Lies**, Patrick Sproull (2/2/2): The film stretches a thin plot to justify its existence as a legacy sequel but ends up boring with glacial pacing and little actual magic or spellcasting. It lacks any clear point of view and wastes the rare screen time of its stars on uninspired material. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/practical-magic-2)
- **The AV Club**, Anna McKibbin (D-): The review criticizes the sequel as a nostalgia-bait that fails, with poor pacing, ugly cinematography, and regressive storytelling; praises Bullock's warmth and the aunts' moments but finds it directionless. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/practical-magic-2-review)
- **Variety**, Todd Gilchrist (30/100, inferred): The sequel rehashes the original's mix of sisterhood, romance, and magic but feels overlong and predictable, failing to improve on the first film's flaws while sidelining some supporting characters. Bullock and Kidman largely repeat their prior performances without much growth, though Joey King stands out and there is strong chemistry with Lee Pace. [Read](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/practical-magic-2-review-sandra-bullock-nicole-kidman-1236854379/)
- **Vulture**, Angelica Jade Bastién (30/100, inferred): The critic finds it a shell of the original, lacking joy and character growth, with calculated nostalgia, poor direction, and only Bullock landing jokes; complains about regression of characters and lack of narrative electricity. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/review-practical-magic-2-is-a-shell-of-its-former-self.html)
- **The Independent** (20/100, inferred): The film is a lazy, pointless cash-grab sequel that circles the same curse plot with diluted backstory and glossy but soulless direction. Kidman has fun as the free-spirited Gillian while Bullock is squandered, and the aunts receive minimal screen time. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/practical-magic-2-review-nicole-kidman-sandra-bullock-b3045944.html)
- **The Wrap** (70/100, inferred): Praises the strong chemistry between leads and thoughtful direction especially for the older characters and romance, while noting flaws in special effects and story structure that prevent it from being exceptional. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/reviews/practical-magic-2-review/)
- **Consequence** (C+): The sequel is muddled by a weak script full of awkward moments and contrivances, though Bullock and Kidman still convey a strong sisterly bond. [Read](https://consequence.net/2026/09/practical-magic-2-review-sandra-bullock/)
- **NME**, Nick Levine (60/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel fun but flawed, with strong chemistry between Bullock and Kidman propping up a convoluted plot that overstays its welcome. They praise the nostalgic appeal and touching moments but complain about the exhausting plot and excessive runtime. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/practical-magic-2-review-sandra-bullock-nicole-kidman-joey-king-3967612)
- **Deadline**, Glenn Garner (50/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel entertaining but lacking the character-driven flow and magic of the original, criticizing rushed plot and sidelined characters, while noting it sets up potential future entries. [Read](https://deadline.com/2026/09/practical-magic-2-review-sequel-lacks-magic-original-1237070994/)
- **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (40/100, inferred): The review states that while the first act has strong nostalgic appeal with the original cast, the sequel lacks spark overall, becoming uninspired with undercooked characters and an overly long runtime. It praises the chemistry of Bullock and Kidman but criticizes the lack of magic and bland supporting elements. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a73639838/practical-magic-2-review/)
- **/Film**, Witney Seibold (4/10): The critic finds the sequel unfunny and sloppily assembled with awkward editing and overlapping chatter instead of humor. Some genuine emotional moments appear in the first half along with praise for the luxury setting and certain romantic scenes. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/2250623/practical-magic-2-review/)
- **Collider**, Taylor Gates (25/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel a weak, forgettable mess that lacks the charm, whimsy, and heart of the original despite the returning stars' chemistry. The convoluted script, flat dialogue, inconsistent plotting, and failure to capture the cozy New England vibe are singled out as major flaws. [Read](https://collider.com/practical-magic-2-review-nicole-kidman-sandra-bullock/)

## Details

- **Director:** Susanne Bier
- **Director:** Susanne Bier
- **Screenplay:** Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett
- **Cinematography:** Simon Duggan
- **Editor:** Sam Williams
- **Music:** Rupert Gregson-Williams
- **Production design:** Tom Burton
- **Costume design:** Alexandra Byrne
- **Producer:** Denise Di Novi, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman
- **Cast:** Sandra Bullock as Sally Owens; Nicole Kidman as Gillian Owens; Joey King as Kylie Owens; Maisie Williams as Antonia Owens; Xolo Maridueña as Gideon; Lee Pace as Ian Wright; Dianne Wiest as Aunt Jet; Stockard Channing as Aunt Frances
- **Runtime:** 2h 10m
- **First release (the UK):** 26 August 2026
- **Genres:** Romance, Fantasy, Comedy
- **Budget:** $75 million
- **Box office:** $46 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho10_4IX1jE

## Where to watch in Spain

- Amazon Prime Video: buy €16.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-14.*

Also available in: AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, IE, IT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PL, PT, SE, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Bell, Book and Candle* (1958): Witchcraft complicates romance in a comedy with more room for mischief.
- *The Witches of Eastwick* (1987), Fi1m 73: Three women discover that supernatural company can make ordinary trouble considerably worse. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-witches-of-eastwick.md)
- *Like Water for Chocolate* (1992): Family rules, forbidden romance and cooking acquire consequences no sensible recipe anticipates.
- *The Love Witch* (2016): Romantic longing and witchcraft meet in a deliberately artificial, sharply coloured setting.
- *Howl's Moving Castle* (2004), Fi1m 81: An unconventional magical household offers affection, quarrels and rather more surprising inhabitants. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/howls-moving-castle.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/practical-magic-2