Practical Magic is a romantic comedy film, directed by Griffin Dunne, released in 1998. It stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as two sisters with magical powers. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman. **Practical Magic** tells the story of Sally and Gillian Owens, who come from a long line of witches. They were raised by their eccentric aunts after their parents died. The film follows the two sisters as they navigate love, loss, and the complications of their magical abilities.
Luckily for us all, movies can amount to more than their initial reception. Practical Magic embedded itself in a lot of childhoods, and 20 years later, it remains beloved by the adults those children became. It also holds up — and even gets better — the longer it marinates. It seems, in hindsight, that critics didn’t know what to do with a movie that mixed genres so brazenly, and that — though the story happened to be about witches — reflected both the dark and the light that often sit side by side in real life. Practical Magic’s blend of tones is not its downfall: It is the film’s biggest strength.
It seems, in hindsight, that critics didn t know what to do with a movie that mixed genres so brazenly, and that though the story happened to be about witches reflected both the dark and the light that often sit side by side in real life. It s a pure and exhilarating moment a blast of light exploding from the both of them, the breath reentering Gillian s body, a wide smile spreading across her face.
The film follows the two sisters as they navigate love, loss, and the complications of their magical abilities. They are considered outsiders in their small town and their beliefs and practices are shunned by the town's residents. Throughout the movie, the sisters must confront their fears and learn to embrace their powers.
Practical magic review
Web posted on: Friday, October 16, 1998 2:52:09 PM
From Reviewer Paul Clinton
(CNN) -- Take two very high-profile actresses -- in this case Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman -- put them in a pot with a plot about witches, stir in a little romance, add a dramatic on-the-road "Thelma & Louise"-type twist, throw in a little pinch of "The Exorcist," and mix well with a few old episodes of "Bewitched" and you have "Practical Magic," a film that is the cinematic equivalent of silly putty.
Don't get me wrong. "Practical Magic" isn't a bad movie. It's just not particularly good. Bullock and Kidman play Sally and Gillian Owens, two sisters who happen to be witches. Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest play Jet and Frances, their eccentric aunts. You know they're eccentric because they dress funny and serve chocolate cake for breakfast.
Theatrical preview for "Practical Magic"
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Paul's Pix: "Practical Magic"
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There's just one little problem. Their family is cursed. Three hundred years ago one of their witchie-poo ancesters got peeved at her no-good lover and put a curse on him. But that wasn't the end of it. Any man for the rest of time who is loved by an Owens woman is doomed to an untimely death. The two sisters deal with this problem in their own unique ways, which provides the comedy, drama and romance in this slightly goofy movie.
Aims for every genre, hits none
"Practical Magic" is aimed like a heat-seeking missile at a female audience. But the trouble with this film is it doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up. A drama? A comedy? A supernatural thriller? Actually it wants to be all three, and ends up being none of the above.
There's also a very strange lack of magic in this film about witches. They light a couple of candles by breathing on them, and they stir their drinks without touching them, but that's about it. You get a whole lot more hocus-pocus in an average episode of "Bewitched."
Actor/producer Griffin Dunne has just recently turned director. This is his second feature film (the first was "Addicted To Love"). So far he's proving to be competent, but uninspired. Can you say TV movie?
This film is also a big waste of time for two extremely talented women. Wiest and Channing have absolutely nothing to do.
Now, during the "Thelma & Louise" and "Exorcist" portions of this film, Croatian actor Goran Visnjic gets to chew up the scenery, and he's not bad. He made his American debut in the film "Welcome To Sarajevo" and also appeared with George Clooney and Kidman in "The Peacemaker."
Then there's Aidan Quinn playing the out-of-town cop who falls in love with Bullock's character. Quinn is one of my favorite actors, but he looks strangely bloated and is sporting what looks like second chin. Not a good look for a leading man.
This film looks like it was a whole lot more fun to make then it is to watch. There are moments that work, and spending a couple of hours with Bullock and Kidman is always a pleasure. Okay, Kidman's "Portrait of a Lady" was a sleeping pill disguised as a movie, and Bullock's "Speed II" was dead in the water. But I digress. Ultimately, "practical". "magic" is neither.
"Practical Magic" is rated PG-13 for some violence, sensuality and intense thematic elements. 105 minutes.
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Paul's Pix: "Practical Magic"
**Practical Magic** seamlessly combines elements of romance, comedy, and fantasy. The chemistry between Bullock and Kidman is evident and their performances bring depth to their characters. The film is visually stunning, with its depiction of magic and the picturesque setting of a New England town. The story explores themes of sisterhood, love, and the power of forgiveness. **Practical Magic** has become a cult classic and is beloved by many fans. It has a timeless quality, with its themes and message still resonating with audiences today. Overall, Practical Magic is a charming and enchanting film that showcases the magic of sisterhood and the power of love..
Reviews for "The Magical Realism Genre and Practical Magic: A Comparative Review"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars - Practical Magic failed to captivate me. The plot felt disjointed and confusing, with too many supernatural elements that were never adequately explained. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to root for or connect with them. Overall, I found the film to be underwhelming and disappointing.
2. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - Practical Magic was a complete waste of time. The story was predictable and clichéd, following the typical tropes of a romantic comedy without offering anything new or interesting. The performances were lackluster, with the talented cast unable to salvage the shallow and uninspired script. I found myself bored and disinterested throughout the entire film.
3. Michael - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for Practical Magic, but it fell short of my expectations. The film failed to strike a balance between its comedic and dramatic elements, resulting in a messy and inconsistent tone. The pacing was slow and uneven, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I found Practical Magic to be a forgettable and unimpressive film.
4. Emma - 2.5 out of 5 stars - Practical Magic was an average film at best. While it had its moments of charm and whimsy, the plot felt thin and lacking substance. The romance between the two main characters was underdeveloped and lacked chemistry, making it difficult to invest in their relationship. The film had potential but ultimately fell short in its execution.