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Practical Magic 2 Debuts to Mixed Reviews Despite Strong Star Chemistry

9 September 2026 · Source balance: Centre

Practical Magic 2 premiered to a 32 to 36 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, marking a below-average critical reception for Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman's long-awaited sequel nearly three decades after the original. The film reunites the two Oscar-winning actresses as witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, directed by Susanne Bier and released on September 10. Critics universally praised Bullock and Kidman's on-screen chemistry and performances, calling their reunion compelling and genuine. However, reviewers consistently criticized the screenplay for feeling disconnected and convoluted, with many noting plot holes and narrative inconsistencies with the 1998 original. Several critics observed the sequel trades the original's unconventional feminist edge for more conventional storytelling. Despite the critical score, the film addresses themes of sisterhood, generational trauma, and women's power. The original Practical Magic initially flopped critically at 30 percent but became a cult classic with audiences, particularly women.

Key facts

  • Practical Magic 2 holds a 32-36 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes as of September 8-9, 2026
  • The original 1998 Practical Magic had a 30 percent Rotten Tomatoes score but developed a dedicated cult following, particularly among women
  • Directed by Susanne Bier, the sequel reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman nearly 30 years after the original film
  • The 32 percent score marks Sandra Bullock's worst-reviewed film in almost 20 years
  • Critics universally praised Bullock and Kidman's chemistry and performances but criticized the screenplay as convoluted and disconnected
  • Multiple reviewers noted the film trades the original's unruly feminist energy for more conventional storytelling
  • The film was released September 10, 2026, and focuses on themes of sisterhood and generational trauma

How different outlets framed it

Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning and feminist-focused critics highlighted how the sequel disappointingly abandons the original's bold feminist vision and unconventional edge for safer, more conventional storytelling. Reviewers noted the film still carries themes of women's power and sisterhood but loses the sharp critique of patriarchy and domestic abuse present in the 1998 film. Some emphasized the cultural importance of female-centered storytelling and cited the original's resonance with generations of women seeking narratives about female agency and solidarity.

Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning or conservative outlets were not substantially represented in available coverage, though some general entertainment critics questioned whether the 28-year gap justified making a sequel at all, and whether nostalgia alone was enough to warrant a theatrical release. Commentary suggested the original's status as a cult favorite didn't necessarily translate to a need for a continuation.

Limits of this briefing

The available review landscape skews heavily toward entertainment and lifestyle publications; traditional left-right political outlets have not substantially covered this story, as it is primarily a culture/entertainment matter. The critical consensus is still developing as reviews continue to post, and audience scores may differ significantly from critic ratings, as occurred with the original film.

Sources

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