The Stream: The runtime is too long for this retread of the original’s plot.

The Big Screen: Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman together again.

The Final Bill: It’s nice to revisit some old favorites despite the lack of new ideas.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Susanne Bier
Writers: Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel
Stars: Sandra Bullock, Dianne Wiest, Stockard Channing, Nicole Kidman, Maisie Williams, Joey King, Lee Pace
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Rating: PG-13 for some violent content, suggestive material and brief strong language.
Runtime: 2 hours 7 minutes
Production Companies: Alcon Entertainment, Blossom Films, DiNovi Pictures, Fortis Films, Warner Bros.
Platform: In theaters September 11, 2026
Notable Trailers: Hexed, Wicker, Forgotten Island, Sense and Sensibility, Wildwood, Verity, Remain

Alright, Streamers! You wanted a Hocus Pocus sequel. You got it. You wanted a remake of The Witches. That happened, too! Now, here’s that Practical Magic sequel you’ve been clamoring for. What? You weren’t clamoring for it? Oh, well, it’s here anyway in the form of Practical Magic 2. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as the Owens Sisters, who are, unfortunately, still cursed to be loveless – meaning any man they fall in love with dies. Sadly, that fate has been passed on to Sally’s (Sandra Bullock) daughters, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams), unbeknownst to them. When Kylies boyfriend falls into a coma, she takes it upon herself to end the curse once and for all. Lime, coconut, and trips to London hijinks ensue.

Practical Magic 2 has all of the ingredients a Practical Magic sequel might need: sisters, a curse, and magic bringing the family together. Yes, many of the original cast is back including Bullock, Kidman, Diane Wiest and Stockard Channing. These ladies bring the sisterhood that has sustained the allure of the original. They are a comforting bunch of actors that portray a reverence for the material and a connection to each other. Bullock and Kidman fall back into the role of sisters easily. It’s particularly nice to have Bullock on the big screen again. Now, the plot involving the curse is just a retread of the original movie. I thought they had rid themselves of the curse in Practical Magic, but the screenplay does an okay job of reinserting the curse as a catalyst for the story. Unfortunately, the movie gets bogged down by it and Sally lamenting sheltering her daughters from their magical legacy. There comes a point in the story where the movie drags even though the overall charm of the movie may keep the audience invested and there are a few funny moments. However, at more than 2 hours, the movie is too long and could use a good 20-minute cut.

Here’s the thing: in a theater, this movie feels long and tedious, especially for those who aren’t really fans of the original. On streaming, this movie would be a more welcome distraction because it has whimsy and charm, good music and familiar faces that are inviting. The story is completely unnecessary and just an excuse for popular IP to be back in a theater. That’s okay sometimes, but I was sleepy in the middle of this overlong movie.

Ultimately, Practical Magic 2 is more of the same from Practical Magic. If that’s what you want, then you should be satisfied. Bullock and Kidman slip back into their roles as if no time has passed, but the story feels contrived, slight and, like most legacy sequels, unnecessary, but the movie brims with charm and whimsy. Fans of Practical Magic should enjoy a matinee with a bowl of popcorn, but the casuals can wait for this one on streaming.