Practical Magic (1998)

The critic finds the 1998 Griffin Dunne film still enchants on its big-screen re-release ahead of a sequel. They single out its romcom quirk, buttery cinematography and stabs of black comedy as making it a zany gem.

Maslin calls the film a bouncy, bubble-brained guilty pleasure with a transcendently silly story line and excessive froufrou touches. She singles out the stars' svelte charm and the delightful comic support from the senior witches as the elements that still provide escapism.

The critic describes the film as an uneven chick movie that shifts between cute fluff, sisterhood drama, and supernatural elements, calling it a no-brainer with ruffles. Bullock and Kidman are praised for making it fly along with strong comic support, while Dunne is noted for directing prettily in service of fanciful romantic escapism.

Levy describes the film as slight and undernourished, a hodgepodge that is not entirely satisfying on any level due to conflicting script sensibilities. He singles out the strong ensemble, particularly Nicole Kidman's sexy performance and the supporting turns by Wiest and Channing, as the picture's best asset.

Ebert finds the film tonally uncertain, veering between horror, laughs and romance in a way that makes it too scary for children and too childish for adults. He singles out the intrusive soundtrack songs that are used to force emotional cues and segues the story cannot support on its own.

Mathews finds the movie has no more practical magic than a souffle chef, with the filmmakers concentrating on emotional trappings rather than cheap tricks. He singles out the big stars' inability to conjure enough to make the witchcraft story work despite the hype.

The film attempts to update the women's picture genre with supernatural elements but fails to explore the tensions of its matriarchal world. Dunne prioritizes saccharine emotions and glossy visuals over dramatic substance.

The film substitutes set pieces and music for drama and genuine emotion. Performances are hammy and the story lacks heart or mind.

The critic views the film as three different movies in one—sisterhood drama, horror, and romance—praising its blend of whimsy, magic, and character dynamics while noting its tonal shifts and initial commercial failure. He highlights the strong female cast and the film's enduring appeal as a seasonal favorite for its themes of belonging and independence.