No magic here: Practical Magic 2's early word calls it a 'tepid sequel'

Well, this one’s not exactly getting a standing ovation. The early critics' verdicts are in for Practical Magic 2, and—let's not sugarcoat it—they're pretty dismal. This highly-anticipated follow-up to the 90s cult classic sees Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman back as the magical Owens sisters, but the reviews paint a picture that's more flat than enchanted.

Practical Magic 2 hits cinemas on 10 September, clocking in at a hefty 130 minutes.

This time round, the story is based on Alice Hoffman's 2021 novel The Book of Magic, with the film arriving in UK cinemas just days from now. Considering the near-obsessive fondness some fans have for the first film, there was some genuine excitement about reuniting its original stars for another dose of magical mayhem. Unfortunately, critics are mostly having none of it.

First reactions: Disappointment on tap

So what's going wrong? According to the first reactions pouring in on social media and in reviews, Practical Magic 2 suffers from too much padding, pacing problems, and a worrying lack of the mischievous heart that defined the original. Jonathan Sim summed it up as having 'some good moments' but that fans shouldn't expect to be bewitched; he reckons Bullock and Kidman's chemistry still shines, yet new cast members Joey King and Maisie Williams hardly get enough time together for anyone to care.

Simon Thompson, giving perhaps the most pointed takedown, doesn’t mince his words. Here's how he put it on the back of his early viewing:

Practical Magic 2 is a disappointingly tepid sequel that fails to conjure up much of anything – including the original’s whimsy. At 130 mins, it’s overlong, the pacing is off, and the third act feels fumbled. It’s a wasted opportunity. There’s sadly little charm or magic here.

Elsewhere, filmmaker Marc Zammit basically calls it a disaster: he says not only did the film lack magic, but felt like five entirely different stories tossed in a blender. Courtney Howard is a bit kinder, saying Bullock and Kidman’s chemistry is still the foundation holding the film upright—though she points out the whole thing runs half an hour too long, gives the daughters' storyline short shrift, and can never quite find the satisfying notes that made the first film's soundtrack a fan favourite.

Returning witches and fresh faces

There is, at least, something new for fans of the Owens family. Joey King and Maisie Williams have joined as the next generation—King now plays Kylie Owens, a part first portrayed by Evan Rachel Wood, while Williams steps in for Alexandra Artrip as Antonia Owens. Alongside them are returning figures Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, with newcomers Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod rounding out the cast.

• Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman: back as Sally and Gillian Owens
• Joey King: Kylie Owens (previously Evan Rachel Wood)
• Maisie Williams: Antonia Owens (previously Alexandra Artrip)
• Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest: reprising Aunt Frances and Aunt Jet
• Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, Solly McLeod: new additions

If you were hoping Practical Magic 2 might pick up where the first left off and recapture some of that oddball charm, these early reactions suggest you might want to keep your expectations in check. The witches are back, but it seems the spell has faded a bit this time out.