1998’s Practical Magic is a Halloween season favorite in my house and a movie that we tend to watch more years than not. That spooky season movie tradition in my house is especially true for this Halloween, as nearly 30 years later, we are getting a sequel, Practical Magic 2. Well, before I talk about that, I really wanted to get my thoughts down on the 1998 movie.
Where to Watch Practical Magic
Practical Magic was released on October 16, 1998. You can stream the film from a digital platform.
The Movie Review: Autumn Vibes and Sisterly Charm
Let me start by saying that this is very cheesy, but it is a fun movie to watch during the spooky season if you want something that is not just all blood, guts, and jump scares. You very much still get the Halloween and even autumn vibes from this movie, just without blood splatter covering the screen. Plus, there is no denying the incredible chemistry that our two leads, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, have.
The Owens Family Curse: Love Comes at a Cost
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play the roles of sisters called Sally and Gillian Owens. The Owens family are witches, and they were cursed generations ago, and this curse dictates that any man that an Owens woman falls in love with will die! Well, after hearing of the curse, Sally decides that she will create a spell to meet and fall in love with an impossible man, to spare herself from ever falling in love. Gillian, on the other hand, is much more of a free spirit and super wild and very open to the idea of having fun and falling in love.
Growing Up Owens: Aunts, Spells, and Tragedy
The Owens sisters are raised by their aunts, Jet and Frances, played by Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing. As they grow older, Gillian decides to head out on an adventure, and Sally stays in Massachusetts and eventually finds a man, falls in love, and has two kids. Well, Sally did not plan on this happening, and it was due to her aunts’ meddling with a spell. Of course, her husband ends up dead, and after finding out about the spell, she bans her aunts from teaching her children about magic.
Trouble Arrives: Jimmy Angelov and the Haunting
It has not been all fun and games for Gillian. Gillian hooked up with a bad guy called Jimmy Angelov, who turns out to be real bad news and ends up causing a whole lot of trouble for the Owens sisters. Well, the Owens sisters “deal” with Jimmy, but his spirit comes back to haunt them and look for revenge, causing the sisters to reconnect, not just with themselves, but with their magic as well. I will say that the movie is very predictable in places, especially with the whole romance story that Sally has, but that kind of just adds to the charm if you ask me.
Final Verdict: A Charming Spooky Season Treat
At the end of the day, Practical Magic is not going to be a movie for everyone, but I always find it a charming watch. A huge part of the appeal of this movie is the performances from Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman; they are two very likable characters, and they have incredible chemistry together. If you are looking for something a little more treat than trick this Halloween, you cannot go wrong with Practical Magic.
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