Practical Magic
Practical Magic, the name just says it all. There is something about magical beings or “witches” shall we say, that draws us into the cinema. The whole idea that we could have everything we ever wanted if we just snapped our fingers, intrigues us a little bit more then yet another drama about how it sucks to be a human. Because it really sucks to be a human. So when movies such as Practical Magic or Harry Potter or The Craft come about we are all awash with fantasy because we so desperately want to be magic.
But with every fantasy comes danger, and the romp of Practical Magic proves that no spell can make this a great movie.
Based extremely loosely on a book by Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic is about a family of witches called the Owens. The film starts off by telling us of an Owens curse. An ancient Owen witch was abandoned by her man and therefore every man that loves an Owens woman will die. That’s a little bit harsh for some baby father trouble but nonetheless it happens. When Sally and Gillian’s mother die of a broken heart, Sally and Gillian move in with their crazy Aunts to learn all about witchcraft. Yet as they grow older, they go down different paths; different paths of love, danger and magic. Practical Magic.
Why Is It Bad?
It is bad for a lot of reasons. For example for fans of the book, Practical Magic tore right through it and didn’t bat an eye. It changed a lot, and I don’t mean cutting out house elves either, I mean changing characters, changing the plot and changing the storyline. If you saw the movie because of the book prepared to be sorely disappointed. Or frustrated even, since the main dark storyline is breezed over so willingly for hilarious moments and magical scenes.
But that isn’t everything that is wrong with this movie. A movie about magic must have an element of childhood, fantasy and above all cheese. Practical Magic just can’t seem to decide what it is. Is it a story about family bonds and overcoming obstacles together? Is it about magic and remembering to be true to yourself? Is it about danger? Is it love, true love? The answer is all of it and like so many good things you throw in too much story and plot, the film will end up a confused yarn about witches or something.
And let’s not forget about some of the performances and I’m not naming any names but Nicole Kidman just hams it up a little too much. A movie like Practical Magic needs that element of disbelief and Kidman flounces around batting her eyelids with her “look at me, look at me, I need help” act causing her character to be more of an irritation than someone you care about. Which ruins her whole crisis moment as it is pivotal to the movie. It feels like one big curse when you watch it.
Why is it good?
Because it is about magic, duh. This movie makes magic seem more realistic than most choosing to put in some more down to earth, every day spells than full hog it with wands and monsters and demons. The effects are cool and it will make you really wish you were a witch, wiggling your fingers to get your tea to swirl. After all, what is better than using magic for Midnight Mageritas
Sandra Bullock is delightful as always but ultimately though the movie is saved by the supporting cast. Stockard Channing and Diane West as the crazy aunts are just wonderful comic relief that make the movie spark. And the children such as pre Marilyn Manson Evan Rachel Wood, bring a lightness to the movie.
At the end of the day, if you do a movie about magic you have to go two ways. You can either cater it towards children or have a childhood element or you can make it about dark twisted souls. Practical Magic tries to make this film serious but fails. That’s ok, it was worth a shot and no great movie is without its villain. Yet what it lacks in depth it makes up for in fun and when you are bored or ill, a little fun in your movie choice is all you want.
The perfect rainy day movie.
TTFN
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