Worrying After Hocus Pocus 2 Was Disappointing Practical Magic 2
Following Practical Magic, a sequel formally announced in June 2024 was formally confirmed by Kidman, who said Bullock and her would be returning few days later. Practical Magic has since joined other 1990s witch flicks with sequel releases in recent years, but the return of Sally and Gillian worries given the letdown of Hocus Pocus 2. Hocus Pocus, directed by Kenny Ortega, debuted the Sanderson sisters—Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy)—who were hung but not before Winifred performed a spell guaranteeing their return.
Three centuries later, the Sandersons were unintentionally brought back, and Max Dennison, his sister Dani, and his crush Allison stopped the sisters from exploiting every youngster in the town for a potion to keep living following Halloween night. Hocus Pocus became a cult classic and at last got a Sequel in 2022, even though it was not a success when it first came out. The Sandersons were revived once more in it, but now they wanted to cast the Magicae Maxima spell to grow even more strong.
Why might Practical Magic 2 prove more successful than Hocus Pocus 2?
Though there is a sequel book published in 2018, Hocus Pocus is an original tale and its sequel likewise told an original one. Though any movie has a lot of creative latitude, there is always a risk—especially in sequels—of either copying the previous movie's formula or, more simply, not matching what made it so great. Practical Magic 2 has a clear advantage since the sequel of the first book, The Book of Magic, which will be released in 2021, may be readily used as the basis for the film.
Practical Magic was always less popular than Hocus Pocus, hence the sequel of the former has less pressure. This would help Practical Magic 2 to appropriately carry on the tales of Sally and Gillian while also exploring their family background and the special universe of the movies. Practical Magic 2 has another advantage over Hocus Pocus 2: although having a strong and devoted following, Practical Magic was always less popular than Hocus Pocus, so the sequel has less pressure. Hopefully, Practical Magic 2 will avoid the flaws and disappointment of Hocus Pocus 2. Who else joins it and what story will be told?
After this Disney Misfire with 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, Nicole Kidman Sequel worries me.
Though exciting as it is, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock are reuniting for a sequel to Practical Magic, which worries me given a 65% Rotten Tomatoes rating from a major Disney flop. Among the most recent additions to it is Practical Magic; the current wave of reboots, revivals, and legacy sequels has effectively brought back to life franchises and tales still having more to offer. Released in 1988 under direction by Griffin Dunne and based on Alice Hoffman's 1995 novel of the same name, Practical Magic stars Kidman and Bullock as sisters Gillian and Sally.
Coming from a line of witches, Sally and Gillian held a curse that cursed every man a woman of the family loved. Sally and Gillian reconnected and used their magic powers to slay Jimmy, her abusive boyfriend, who had returned as a vengeful, evil ghost after Sally's husband passed away from the curse. Practical Magic has developed a cult following despite not being popular when it first came out, which is mostly the reason it is now getting a sequel; but, this is also concerning following a similar, recent sequel that proved disappointing.
Though the sequel calls for two other actors more than Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Practical Magic 2 will most likely bring both back.
With a 65% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 47% audience score, Hocus Pocus 2 failed both with viewers or critics. Hocus Pocus 2 was largely motivated by nostalgia and lacked the same impact as its predecessor, becoming forgettable even although it received a better critics' score than the previous movie (40% although with a 72% audience score). Practical Magic 2 runs the same trap of not being able to reproduce the charm and heart of the original movie, particularly as, like Hocus Pocus, they are products of a certain period and driven by nostalgia.
First films were released in 1993, hence their age is significant. The showrunner will most likely retain the original's essence and look while adding elements appealing to both long-time viewers and newcomers. Most likely, the film will include an outstanding cast.
