A sequel twenty-eight years later in which the magic goes up a couple of notches. There is more meaning and seriousness related to the powers and curses. Also, the lives of witches expand. Normalcy enters their lives, but there is still a curse. Directed By Susanne Bier, Practical Magic 2 is here. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are back as Sally and Gillian Owens. Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing are back as Jet and Franny. The lives of the witches do not change much. There are still morals, ethics, and respectful matters. However, it does not stop karma from happening and the exhilarating level of honor lingers in Practical Magic 2.

The twist in Practical Magic 2 is that now Sally is a mom. Her daughters are Kylie and Antonia (Joey King and Maisie Williams). Sally tries to protect her daughters from magical spells.  However, Kylie is in love with a boy named Gideon, played by Xolo Mariduena. Gideon suffers an injury that could impact his life. This is Kylie’s first love and she realizes she is cursed like her mother and aunt were. Someone she loves is facing death and she is under an inevitable spell. Therefore, Kylie goes to London to solve the mystery of the spells. 

It is not long before Sally and Gillian open their doors to the witch world again. They follow Kylie to London and hope their powers can help make a difference. They find the assistance of another mentor of magic named Ian Wright, played by Lee Pace. Soon more magic comes along, and there may be a chance for Kylie to save the man she loves. However, given all the  disagreements related to the sisterhood dynamic—the shield keeps appearing and the performances of Bullock and Kidman take over the central conflict. While this works, it sometimes felt like it dominated the writing. The film still has scenes where there are enchanting themes but then there are times where the themes cross into sad territory.

The film has momentary flaws, again involving magic. Despite the nonsense, it is still an enjoyable sequel that is slightly better than the first film. More modern subject matter was woven into Practical Magic 2. Not too much, but enough to be worthy including spells cast in many different directions. Bullock, Kidman, and King are the witches representing three modes of awesomeness. They spice everything up and play up the sisterhood vibe until it boils with magic seeking good. The curse may come and go, but that does not stop elements of positivity from shining in  Practical Magic 2. The film has a faithful context of wonder yet the writing could have been improved. In the end, there are layers of happiness to be found in Practical Magic 2. Two-and-a-half out of four stars.