THROWBACK: Practical Magic

Marvelous performances, magic and a little murder make this movie a major mood.

Few movies transport me back in time like Practical Magic. Every time I watch I’m right back in Sophomore Year at Millsaps College popping in the VHS before bed for the millionth time. It is, as the kids say, a vibe and one of those movies that never disappoints no matter how many times I come back to it.

The plot is honestly pretty boring if you take away the whole witch thing. The writing and directing are fairly rudimentary although the cinematography will have you packing your bags and searching for a quaint little New England island all your own. The romance has Hallmark Channel levels of schlockyness and the mild horror elements are abrupt and shimmer in that indistinctive turn of the millennium CGI blurriness. But it is the performances that make this movie the film equivalent of chicken n’ dumplings. Or I suppose more correctly a nice homemade clam chowder. Cuz New England.

Sandra Bullock is at her relatable romcom royalty finest. Nobody does heartbreak like Sandy and you immediately feel for the witchy widow as she does her best to be a good mom while avoiding the gossip and glares of the judgy townsfolk. It’s fun to see Nicole Kidman in a playful role from a time when her face still moved. She’s become such an all business, all Botox actor that it’s easy to forget there was a time when she practically burst with charisma. Their chemistry together is wonderfully honest and believable and I think it’s this strong relationship that stamps this film as an ultimate “chick flick,” inarguably one of the best of the subgenre.

Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest may play aunties but they are mother. Period. These two legends consistently slay but this is some of my all time favorite work from both of them. Every line overflows with wit and wisdom and they reverberate love and warmth in every gesture and expression. It’s hard to think of two film characters that I more wish were real and I would do anything to have an auntie Francis and auntie Jet all my own.

Aidan Quinn is the only turd in this witch’s cauldron. As Bullock’s romantic counterpart he winces and mutters through every scene causing me to wonder where it was he’d obviously rather be. Whereas the ladies fully embrace the off kilter, magic infused, silly circumstances, Quinn seems embarrassed to be making an appearance in a witch movie. Or a chick flick. Maybe both? Who cares he’s a total booger and nearly ruins the enchanted shenanigans.

Practical Magic is a 90’s cinema classic. A comfort film that is filled with memorable characters, heartfelt performances and more than a few genuine laughs sprinkled in. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen it, turn the AC way down, get some snacks, grab your fuzziest blanket and get cozy with the sweetest and prettiest lil family of witches ever caught on film.