Getting a sequel greenlit nearly 30 years after the original movie floundered upon its release likely demanded a touch of magic.

1998’s “Practical Magic,” starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens family witches, eventually became a cult classic, gaining traction through a home video release and later, streaming services and social media.

So 28 years later, the original stars are back, the midnight margaritas return, and even the iconic coastal Massachusetts home at the heart of the first film was rebuilt for the ultimate punch of nostalgia.

Enough time has passed since the original movie that its ’90s wardrobe is back in style.

Yet "Practical Magic 2" discards some of the original's strongest elements, including the campy fun that helped it find an unlikely second life.

The first movie was a blend of “Death Becomes Her” and “Halloweentown,” but the sequel sacrifices some of that whimsy in favor of a more genuinely spooky undertone that doesn’t quite fit.

Where a pentagram in the original is forged with whipped cream, it’s done with fire in the sequel.

We resume shortly after the conclusion of the 1998 film, as the Owens sisters witness the curse that has plagued their family of witches for generations manifesting itself yet again.

Sally (Bullock) is widowed once more when her second husband meets a premature end, as do all men who fall in love with an Owens woman.

She makes her sister Gillian (Kidman) and her aunts Jet and Franny (Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing) promise not to reveal their magical abilities or the curse to her two young daughters, and she casts a spell so that they forget their witchy childhoods.

Fast forward to when those young girls (a terrific Joey King and an underutilized Maisie Williams) are adults taking an interest in romance, and chaos ensues.

Sally’s daughter Kylie (King) propels the occasionally meandering plot forward through her mission to undo the Owens family curse after her boyfriend, Gideon (Xolo Maridueña), lapses into a coma.

Sally and Gillian follow her to England in an attempt to shield her from dark magic.

Here, the original's spooky-playful energy gives way to a decidedly more spooky-creepy tone.

Perhaps a greater abundance of eerie elements simply comes with the territory of a major studio's release during the ever-expanding Halloween season.

But “Practical Magic 2” lacks those moments of pure fun — such as Bullock asking PTA moms to form a coven or Kidman telling neighbors to hang onto their husbands when she's back in town — that made the original film's darker moments all the more palatable.

The film still harbours charming, tender moments, underpinned by its compelling performances.

Bullock and Kidman deliver the comedic highlights, whilst the emotional gravitas is skilfully borne by Channing, Wiest and King.

Lee Pace delivers a compelling performance as the charming British scholar of witchcraft and magic, aiding Sally and Gillian in their quest to rescue Kylie while simultaneously serving as a romantic interest for the romance-resistant Sally.

Yet the film’s most compelling chemistry lies between Bullock and Kidman, who are close friends away from the set.

Their rapport with one another, as well as with director Susanne Bier, who has collaborated with each of them, is what sustains the protracted sequel.

As with the original, the sequel features a strong soundtrack and score that help carry the story through its shifts between lighter and darker moments.

Don’t worry, Stevie Nicks is back.

As is Harry Nilsson’s “Coconut.”

“Practical Magic 2,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release that commenced its theatrical run on Thursday, has been assigned a PG-13 rating by the Motion Picture Association owing to some violent content, suggestive material and brief strong language.

Running time: 130 minutes.

Two stars out of four.