Al-Zahraa Cinema in Aleppo hosted a screening of the American fantasy film "Practical Magic 2," which blends elements of fantasy and social drama, as part of the "Film Under the Spotlight" segment that examines new cinematic works. The film tells the story of the Owens sisters returning after a 28-year absence, facing an old curse that pursues their choices and reveals the impact of the generational gap and family heritage.
Directed by Susan Beyer, with a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman based on the 2021 novel "The Book of Magic" by Alice Hoffman, the film stars Oscar winners Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, alongside young talents including Joey King, Maisie Williams, and Diane West, in a narrative interweaving events across different generations.
Critical reviews noted that the film's first third successfully recaptured a nostalgic atmosphere, but narrative cohesion declined somewhat as subplots expanded. Conversely, the events regained their course in the final act through a climactic scene relying on family solidarity, although transitions between the sisters' worlds and the young actors' adventures confused the rhythm in some details.
Digital ratings showed a sharp divergence between critics and the audience, with the film receiving only a 35% rating from critics, while the audience rating jumped to 93%. This sharp divide reflects the contrast between critical scrutiny and the positive impressions of viewers regarding the stars' return, with praise for their performances and visual presence despite reservations about the screenplay's construction.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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