A great movie, but not for small children, tweens or new teens. I would say this is for kids 15 and over. The only thing I am concerned about is the review above that states, "Some parents will also be concerned about the theme of witchcraft..." Witchcraft is a practice of a legal religion called Wicca, recognized by the US Govt. and US Military alike. I don't think we would ever see a warning here telling folks that parents may be concerned about the theme of Islam, Christianity, Judiasm, Hinduism..ect...ect.
Practical Magic
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Uneven adaptation of lyrical novel.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–15
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Practical Magic was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that this movie includes sexual references, themes of loss, tension, and violence (including a scary scene with Jimmy attempting to "brand" Gillian as his possession). Some parents will also be concerned about the theme of witchcraft (benign or otherwise) and about the scenes of bringing back Jimmy from the dead and of his spirit's possession of one of the characters.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about how this movie compares to the book, and why themes of witchcraft have been popular for so many centuries.
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More on Practical Magic
What’s the Story?
PRACTICAL MAGIC follows the story of two orphan girls from a family of witches. Raised by aunts who feed them brownies for breakfast and are visited by neighbors only when they are desperate for a spell, the girls grow up looking for a way to separate themselves from their past. Sally (Sandra Bullock) longs to be "normal," and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) longs to abandon herself to a passion that will leave her dizzy. Sally marries a man she adores and has two children before he is killed in an accident. Devastated, she blames the family curse that, according to legend, results in the early death of any man who loves an Owens woman. Gillian ends up with Jimmy Angelof, an abusive man. When Sally comes to rescue her, they accidentally kill Jimmy. Using their aunts' book of spells, they bring him back, only to kill him again when he attacks them. They bury him in the back yard, and think they are safe. But then a policeman comes looking for Jimmy, who is not as departed as they thought.
Is It Any Good?
This is an uneven adaptation of Alice Hoffman's lyrical novel. Bullock and Kidman are ideally cast as the sisters who are very different but very devoted. Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing are delightful as the wry but wise and loving aunts, bedecked in Victorian lace.
It is a pretty movie to watch, but so uneven in tone and theme that it is ultimately more frustrating than fun. We make a bargain when we go to a movie -- we will accept the movie's premise, and the film-makers won't change the rules on us. That bargain is not kept in this movie, and the audience ends up feeling cheated.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Director: Griffin Dunne
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/31/1999
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some language and sexual references
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/31/1999
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some language and sexual references
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Kids ages: 1, 5, 6, 14
I rate this title on for age 15 and give itGreat movie, a little concerned about the review.
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