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By: Selena Straughan '32
Now in theaters is the sequel to Practical Magic, a movie about the Owens witches who are cursed to never be able to love. It follows Sally, Gillian, Kylie, and Antonia Owens. Here’s my review on the movie vs fans and critics.
- - - My Review - - -
I enjoyed Practical Magic 2 more than the first. To me it felt more detailed and interesting, and I felt like I understood Sally and Gillian more. The new additions to the story, Kylie and Antonia, provided another layer that I appreciated. The movie actually built upon the first instead of just falling short. I'd say it was a great movie.
- - - Key Points From Critics - - -
First, many critics say the movie lost the whimsical touch from the first movie. For example, a review done by JoBlo writer Michael Conway states, “The cozy, slightly strange atmosphere that made the original so inviting gets replaced by a more conventional supernatural mystery.”
Another critic from Rotten Tomatoes agrees with this saying, “And now, with Practical Magic 2 doing little more than retracing its predecessor’s steps, but stripped of a good chunk of that film’s visual charm.”
Second, many critics complain about the lighting and shots. They say that unlike the warm, cozy, beside-the-fire lighting of the first movie was replaced by bright white lights. A critic from Rotten Tomatoes says, “Director Susanne Bier has none of Griffin Dunne’s stylistic flair. As an actor himself, Dunne understood how to favor both his stars and his audience with fittingly enchanting lighting, beautiful shot compositions and ravishing set design, none of which are present here, at least not for more than a few seconds.”
Although critics had many more similar comments about the movie, they still had some good ones. A reviewer at Rotten Tomatoes says, “I do, however, think it’s important to acknowledge that the first film is a bit more than just autumn porn. Practical Magic is a story of family and sisterhood, of the bonds that we make and the ones that we break.” Another reviewer also says, “It’s a sweet movie, sometimes moving, about accepting your family heritage and coming into your own power.”
- - - Conclusion - - -
The real question is, “What do you think?” Watch the movie and see for yourself.
But just remember, the Owens witches advise, to live a little, live a lot.
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