Opened: October 16, 1998

Directed by: Griffin Dunne

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Goran Visnjic, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Aidan Quinn, Caprice Benedetti, Evan Rachel Wood, Alexandra Artrip, Mark Feuerstein, Camilla Belle, Lora Anne Criswell, Peter Shaw, Caralyn Kozlowski, Chloe Webb, Lucinda Jenney, Mary Gross, Martha Gehman & Margo Martindale

A cult classic featuring the exquisite pairing of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Practical Magic doesn’t always know what it wants to do, but you’ll enjoy it anyway.

Witches Sally (Bullock) and Gillian (Kidman) grew up learning magic and suffer from a family curse on love. When Gillian’s boyfriend Jimmy (Goran Visnjic) hurts her, they kill him but continue to be haunted by him.

Though they look nothing like sisters, Bullock and Kidman have incredible chemistry that allows their characters’ bond to feel natural. Paired with their zany aunts, whom the always reliable Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest portray with ease, this is a family that you’ll instantly love

The screenplay makes the film feel all over the place with bits of comedy, thriller, romance and drama all mixed in with strong shifts between them.

Final say: Unexpected magic. ★★★★☆