Practical Magic 2 Draws Mixed Reviews Despite Star Reunion

The highly anticipated sequel "Practical Magic 2," reuniting stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, has debuted to largely negative reviews from critics, earning a low score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, set to open in theaters on September 10, 2026, currently holds a score of around 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on dozens of early reviews. Critics have pointed to a "wonky script" and "messy" narrative as primary drawbacks, with many describing the film as overlong and predictable. Reviewers noted that the sequel, which runs 130 minutes, fails to recapture the charm and whimsy of the 1998 original. Despite these criticisms, many critics acknowledged the enduring chemistry and palpable affection between Bullock and Kidman, who reprise their roles as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens. Some reviews praised the actresses for still managing to "cast quite the spell" and highlighted themes of sisterhood and feminine resilience. The original "Practical Magic," based on Alice Hoffman's novel, was also met with poor critical reception upon its 1998 release, holding a 30% score on Rotten Tomatoes.