Summary
While some movies earn their low critics scores onRotten Tomatoes, there’s one Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman movie that I still want to get the justice it deserves. As a so-called “spooky child”, there’s a special place in my heart for any movies that fall into the categories of horror and spooky, and there’s something extra-special about movies about witches. Although I admittedly arrived late to the greatness of movies likeHocus PocusandPractical Magic, the latter immediately became one of my favorite movies about witches.
Directed by Griffin Dunne, and based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel of the same name,Practical Magicintroduced the Owens family, whose ancestor, Maria, cast a spell on herself that developed into a curse upon her descendants: any man loved by an Owens woman would die. In the present, sisters Sally (Bullock) and Gillian (Kidman) join forces after Sally’s husband dies as a result of the curse and Gillian’s abusive boyfriend returns as an evil, vengeful spirit.Practical Magichas everything that can be asked for in a movie about magic and witches, yet it didn’t get the recognition it deserves.
Practical Magic Ending Explained
The cult classic Practical Magic has a happy ending, but with a sequel on the way, it’s worth revisiting the story and what went into that ending.
Why Practical Magic’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Is So Low
Practical Magic’s Critics & Audience Scores Are Very Different
Practical Magichas a 24% critics score onRotten Tomatoes, with critics mostly pointing out its tonal shifts and “offbeat” story as main flaws.
Despite being released in a decade that saw a variety of movies about magic and witches – from kid-friendly movies likeDouble, Double, Toil and Troubleto teen movies likeThe Craft–,Practical Magicdidn’t find success with critics.Practical Magichas a 24% critics score onRotten Tomatoes, with critics mostly pointing out its tonal shifts and “offbeat” story as main flaws.Practical Magicwas even compared toThe Witches of Eastwickbut without the latter’s humor, andsome critics felt it lacked “emotional consistency”, while others went as far as to say it lacked chemistry.
However, what most critics seemed to agree on, both those who gave it positive reviews and those who destroyed it in theirs, is that Bullock and Kidman are the best things inPractical Magic, praising their charm, chemistry, and charisma. Despite not being the critics’ favorite,Practical Magic has rightfully become a cult classic, and like many other movies with low critics' scores onRotten Tomatoes, these shouldn’t be the definitive word on their quality and impact.
Practical Magic’s audience score on Rotten Tomatoes offers an interesting contrast, as while critics led to it being labeled “rotten”, the audience granted it a “fresh” certificate with a 73% score.
While it’s true thatPractical Magichas different tones with drama, suspense, and comedy all in one movie, that’s exactly where a big part of its charm lies. Despite having fantasy elements,Practical Magicdeals with serious themes, and just like in life, there’s drama and comedy in it, which ultimately bring balance to what otherwise would be a bleak story of grief, loss, and magic.
Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman Show Powerful Range In Practical Magic
Bullock & Kidman’s Chemistry Was Key To Practical Magic’s Charm
Although they might seem like an odd pair, especially as sisters, Bullock and Kidman brought a unique chemistry toPractical Magic.
As much as I love all the magic and witchcraft elements inPractical Magic,all that would be nothing without Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Although they might seem like an odd pair, especially as sisters, Bullock and Kidman brought a unique chemistry toPractical Magicand balance as they played two completely different sisters.Bullock brought emotion, heartbreak, and hopeto her performance as Sally, whileKidman brought vulnerability, rebellion, and a free, adventurous spiritto Gillian. Both sisters showed strength in their own ways, and they beautifully complemented each other.
Practical Magicis not just a story about magic, witches, and curses, buta story about family, generational trauma, grief, and sisterhood. As the eldest daughter of three,Practical Magic’s Sally and Gillian speak to me in ways that few fictional sisters have. Bullock and Kidman’s characters and performances are so different (as are my sisters and I) yet work so beautifully together that they truly embody a sense of sisterhood, as no matter the trouble one gets into, they know they have each other’s backs unconditionally, as it should be.
Practical Magic 2 Helps Prove How Underrated The Original Movie Is
Practical Magic 2 Is A Long-Awaited Sequel
Critics might have not seen the true magic and charm ofPractical Magicand its core message, but general audiences certainly did.Practical Magichas a loyal fanbase that hasn’t forgotten about it, and they have a strong presence on social media. I often come across posts and videos of fans ofPractical Magicwho share their love for the movie (and the books) in different ways, whether through fashion, tattoos, art, or by doing their own magic, so there’s definitely an active and enthusiastic audience for this specific universe.
In the era of reboots and legacy sequels, and taking its loyal following into account, it’s not surprising thatPractical Magicis finally getting a sequel, but it wouldn’t have been greenlit if the first movie hadn’t had a long-lasting impact on the audience. Although I must say I’m concerned about the sequel, its story, and if it will be able to continue the stories of the Owens women without falling into the traps of legacy sequels,Practical Magic 2will bring a new audience to the first movie and prompt many others to revisit it, and hopefully, it will finally get the love and recognition it deserves.
Practical Magic
Practical Magic is a romantic fantasy film directed by Griffin Dunne, featuring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a family of witches. Living under a curse that dooms any man they fall in love with to an untimely death, the sisters navigate love, loss, and their magical heritage while confronting family secrets and societal prejudices.
