Practical Magic 2: 28 Years Later, I’m Still Under Its Spell

I genuinely can’t believe I’m saying this, but Practical Magic 2 is finally here. I have loved the original Practical Magic since it came out in 1998. In fact, calling it a favourite film doesn’t really cover it. It’s one of those films that has become part of my life. The house, the sisters, the music, the clothes, the magic… the whole thing has a very special place in my heart.

So when I heard that we were finally getting a sequel, I was excited. And slightly terrified. Because how on earth do you follow a film that someone has loved for 28 years? Well, last week, my bestie Sarah, myself and Michael (pictured above waiting for our pre-movie pizza!) went to the cinema and I finally found out. And honestly… I came out feeling pretty magical.

Was Practical Magic 2 as good as the original?

I’ll be talking about that properly in my video, because I have quite a few thoughts! But I will say this: the original has had 28 years to work its way into my heart. I’ve watched it countless times, so it was always going to be a very difficult act to follow. What surprised me, though, was just how much the feeling of the original was still there.

There were moments that gave me chills. Moments that made me emotional. Moments where I had that lovely feeling of being transported somewhere familiar. It honestly felt a little bit like receiving a warm hug from familiars. And if you know, you know.

Returning to the Owens world

One of the things I was most curious about was seeing this world again after nearly three decades. And there was something incredibly lovely about stepping back into it: the atmosphere, the house, the gardens, the magical little details and, of course, the Owens women.

Even the way everything was filmed and lit helped create that wonderfully strange, romantic, slightly gothic world that I associate so strongly with Practical Magic. And yes, I absolutely noticed the wardrobe. How could I not? The fashion was such an important part of the original film’s appeal, and I was fascinated to see how they’d approached it nearly 30 years later. Let’s just say I was paying VERY close attention.

And I have thoughts…

Of course I do. There were things I loved, things that made me laugh and things that made me go, “Ooh, I like that.” And there were also a few moments where I found myself thinking, “Hang on a minute…” I’m not going to tell you what those moments were here because, well, that’s what the video is for!

I also have thoughts about the music, the cast, the new generation of Owens women, the romance and a few things that I really wish we’d been given more of. And then there’s the question that occurred to me afterwards: Could Practical Magic 2 really be the end of the Owens story? Hmm. You’ll have to watch the video to find out what I think.

So, was Practical Magic 2 worth the 28-year wait?

I’m going to leave you hanging on that one. Because although I’ve given you a little glimpse into my thoughts here, my full video is where I really get into it.

There are spoilers, so if you haven’t seen Practical Magic 2 yet, definitely watch the film before watching my video. But if you’ve already seen it, come and join me because I would absolutely LOVE to know what you thought.

Did it give you the same feeling as the original? Did you love being back in the Owens world? And most importantly… do you think we might see the Owens women again?

I’ve been waiting 28 years for this, and I’m very, very glad I went back.

Since making my video and writing this post, I’ve seen the same question asked of Sandra Bullock: would she be willing to make a Practical Magic 3? And her answer (rather delightfully) was, “Yes, in order to pass the torch to the younger girls, and we would be the ‘aunts’.” EEEEEK!!! Now that’s something to get excited about, right?!