STORYLINE:   A multi generational family of witches, cursed to be loveless for centuries, attempts to break the spell by confronting dark secrets and sacrificing for each other.  (IMDb) 

     The Samderson sisters were awakened in 1993’s Hocus Pocus.  Elphaba and Gilinda became the witches of Oz in Wicked (2024) and it’s 2025 sequel.  Witches even seek romance, as is the case of the 1947 romantic comedy I Married a Witch.  Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock are back in the world of witchcraft, as the Owens sisters, I’m Practical Magic 2.

   One of the first times, that I recall being genuinely scared watching a movie, was when I watched The Blair Witch Project on vhs, back 1999.  Witches are often associated with the spooky, and Halloween.  Many horror films base their premise on witches. There’s plenty of non frightening features, though, to watch about those who fly on broomsticks and cast spells.  The Harry Potter franchise, and Hocus Pocus are family friendly, while Wicked has audiences singing along. Practical Magic 2, and predecessor, are witchcraft films of the non spooky variety. 

     The story covered a lot of familiar storylines.   There was a lot of family drama, teenage angst, and the lengths one goes to for love.  Its a narrative that is overly predictable, yet simultaneously entertaining to watch.  All this, in a film about something of folklore. I get the same entertainment value out of the Twilight films. 

    While Practical Magic 2, is a fun, at times mind numbing, watch, after nearly three decades since the original feature, this sequel feels more like nostalgia than a truly great film.  Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022) we’re both films separated from their original features by decades, filled with nostalgia, and both truly incredible motion pictures.  The point being, it is possible be both a truly unique sequel and nostalgic second film, when oart one was released decades ago.

    Practical Magic 2 hit the spot of mediocre entertainment as a nostalgic salute to its predecessor, from decades ago.

    Until next time, I will see you at the movies!