"Practical Magic 2" arrives nearly 30 years after the 1998 original.

That film became a cult classic after a weak theatrical release.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as the Owens sisters.

The original's Massachusetts house was rebuilt for nostalgia.

The sequel picks up shortly after the first film.

Sally (Bullock) is widowed again, and she casts a spell so her daughters forget their magical past.

As adults, the daughters (Joey King and Maisie Williams) discover romance, and chaos follows.

Kylie (King) tries to undo the family curse after her boyfriend Gideon (Xolo Maridueña) falls into a coma.

Sally and Gillian travel to England to protect her.

The review says the sequel drops the original's campy fun for a genuinely spooky tone that does not quite fit.

It lacks the pure fun moments that made the first film's darker scenes easier to accept.

Still, the review praises the performances.

Bullock and Kidman carry the comedy, while Dianne Wiest, Stockard Channing and King handle the emotion.

Lee Pace plays a British witchcraft scholar and love interest for Sally.

The review says the strongest bond is between Bullock and Kidman.

Their real-life friendship keeps the long sequel afloat.

The soundtrack and score also help, and Stevie Nicks returns.

The Warner Bros. release is rated PG-13 and runs 130 minutes.

The review gives it two stars out of four.