A Sharp Contrast in Reception
Practical Magic 2 arrived in theaters this weekend, sparking a notable disconnect between critics and ticket buyers. The film currently sits at a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from professional critics. This figure aligns closely with the performance of the original 1998 installment, which holds a 30% critic score on the same platform. Such figures usually indicate a difficult path at the box office, but the current data suggests a different story entirely.
Audience members hold a vastly different view of the sequel, granting it a 93% approval rating. This massive 57-point spread highlights the growing gap between professional critiques and popular sentiment. While professional reviewers remain unconvinced, the public has responded with enthusiasm. This reaction has led to historic milestones for several people involved in the production.
Record Breaking Performance for Key Talent
The 93% audience score marks a career high for multiple high-profile individuals. This specific metric stands as the best Rotten Tomatoes score for director Susan Bier. It also represents the top-rated film on the platform for stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. The film has reached this same record-setting status for co-stars Maisie Williams, Joey King, and Lee Pace. These achievements are based solely on audience-submitted reviews rather than critical assessments.
Securing these records requires a combination of star power and audience engagement. The decision to pair established A-list performers with younger, popular actors appears to have resonated with viewers. Nostalgia for the first film also plays a role in the high turnout. Many viewers entered the theater with strong memories of the 1998 original, which likely influenced their high expectations and final ratings.
Box Office Impact and Competitive Future
Financially, the film is performing well. It brought in $4.7 million during preview screenings and secured $12 million at the domestic box office on Friday alone. Projections currently place the weekend total at $30 million. This performance is significant because it positions the movie to unseat Spider-Man: Brand New Day. That film held the number one spot at the box office every weekend since its July debut and currently approaches the record for the highest domestic haul in history.
The second weekend of release will likely present new challenges. The film faces competition from the upcoming horror project Resident Evil, directed by Zach Cregger. Cregger established a reputation for high-quality horror, as his previous films Weapons and Barbarians earned 93% and 92% critic scores respectively. Early projections for the new horror title indicate it could perform strongly upon its release. The market shift suggests that while Practical Magic 2 captured opening weekend interest, maintaining that momentum against new, highly anticipated genre entries remains difficult. The success of the film so far validates the draw of its cast, even as the professional critical reception remains low.