We watched the 1998 original film the night before screening this new one, finding it basically more of the same, with the same cast, same vibe. Great to see Sandra Bullock back on the big screen with Nicole Kidman 28 years later looking fabulous as sisters with powers, playing well of each other. They are cute and just as witchy as they were in the first film. “No magic is stronger than sisterhood…” This time their powers are tested as they now passed on to a new generation.
Sally (Bullock) has two daughters she desperately shields from knowledge of the Owens family curse. Antonia (Maisie Williams) is in Med school, and Kylie (Joey King) is a creative and emotional artist who already has a boyfriend. Sally is trying to protect them any way she can from falling in love which could prove fatal to their true loves and leave them heartbroken and alone. Gillian (Kidman) is more open to magic. There was more horror in the original film, and also elements of abuse in Gillian’s relationship with a cad.
Fortunately, for entertainment, using their powers for fun, the quirky aunts are back. Jet (Diane Wiest) and Franny (Stockard Channing) still look pretty good as witches who have become revered for using their abilities to help their neighbors who line up regularly for potions, salves, and magical solutions for their worries. You might call them the town therapists. Wiest and Channing bring light comedy with their relationship, but Sally, after losing 2 loves because of the curse, renounced the use of magic that left her a single Mom. Gillian never married and still embraces the powers for fun and adventure. Kidman has a good time with it.
When Kylie’s love Gideon (Xolo Maridueña) has a terrible accident, he falls victim to the curse that may, once again, come true. Kylie panics and vows to save her comatose love by seeking an expert master of dark arts for help. She hopes Ian (Lee Pace) who lives outside of London might be able to reverse the curse. Can he save Gideon and let Kylie and Antonia lead normal lives? Sally freaks out. Gillian insists going with her to find Kylie. Pace is earnest in his role in this race against time to find the magic that can save Gideon and Kylie’s loving relationship.
Kidman proves again to be the wacky comic relief trying to calm sister Sally. Gillian likes to have a good time, no matter what the situation, accepting their fate. Kidman is actually cute in the role. Bullock is again more serious but has funny moments too. But the wise ones in this film and very entertaining, are Jet and Franny who poke fun using the magic in quirky, loving ways. Special effects when the curse rears it’s ugly powers create some jarring surprises adding to the occult with the return of the signature death beetle.
Was this sequel dying to be made? This female empowerment theme harkening back to finding ultimate fulfillment with the right guy is not so much anymore. Still, it’s good seeing Bullock and Kidman together, with Wiest with Channing poking fun at ach other, even if this film is not so magical.
Warner Bros. 2 Hours 10 Minutes PG-13
