"Practical Magic 2" comes almost 30 years after the 1998 original.

The first film became a cult classic after a weak start in cinemas.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as the Owens sisters.

The original's Massachusetts house was rebuilt for nostalgia.

The sequel starts shortly after the first film.

Sally (Bullock) is widowed again.

She casts a spell so her daughters forget their magical past.

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

Kylie (King) tries to undo the family curse.

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.

It uses a truly 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.

Dianne Wiest, Stockard Channing and King handle the emotion.

Lee Pace plays a British witchcraft scholar and a 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.