Practical Magic 2: paranormal Peninsula premiere

You've got the magic in you.
To premiere the release of Practical Magic 2, Peninsula Cinemas Warragul threw a particular witchy party, to wel-come movie-goers back to Coastal Massachusetts.
The legacy sequel to the 90's cult classic stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, returning to ward off a sinister curse that threatens everything they fought to protect in the original 90's cult classic.
The opening-night screening included a special spellbinding experience, with anyone arriving early treated to readings from roaming readings by ALavu psychics, and discounted Froyo Heaven frozen yogurt, and a themed triva quiz with prizes.
Peninsula Cinemas also gave away one double pass to the screening to one lucky Instagram follower ahead of the showing.
The film itself, brought the Gazette staff to tears. An emotional story of sisterhood anf family, sprinkled with sorcery, that the entire audience resonated with.
Points lost for the more mediocre acting moments from Sandra Bullock, simply because she is an experienced enough actor to maintain consistent believability, which falters in some of her delivery.
Legacy sequels generally benefit from being released this far away from the original film, but was not important to the quality of Practical Magic 2 (they have magic margaritas for god's sake). The characters don't feel forced, almost as if the actors never stepped out of them back in 1998, effortlessly slipping back into their comfortable spellbound roles.
While the timeline from the first film doesn't exactly make sense, it's immediately deep themes of repeated grief and looking after those close to you are what keeps it on track, even when the plot feels slightly rushed at times or focus too much on one character.
Viewers will have comfort in knowing this is more than simple nostalgia-fuel, and closer to a muscle memory, now sharpened in today's more poignant age of cultural critism within pop culture formats.
A sequelstory that has matured alongside its audience, offering both warmth and wisdom for a new generation.
By the final credits, Practical Magic 2 casts the same enchanting spell as the original, reminding audiences that love, family, and a little bit of magic never go out of style.
The Gazette rates the premiere experience: ★★★★☆
Practical Magic 2 is rated M for mature themes and coarse language, showing now in Peninsula Cinemas Warragul.