"Practical Magic: I Wished for You Too" There is something truly enchanting about the movie "Practical Magic." Released in 1998 and directed by Griffin Dunne, the film tells the story of two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, portrayed by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, respectively. Born into a long line of witches, the Owens sisters navigate love, loss, and the complexities of their magical legacy. The film seamlessly weaves together themes of family, sisterhood, and love with elements of magic and the supernatural. From the outset, we are transported into a world where spells, potions, and crystal balls are as much a part of life as laughter and tears. The Owens sisters live in a house brimming with enchantment, connected to nature, and filled with the spirit of their ancestors.
The Owens sisters live in a house brimming with enchantment, connected to nature, and filled with the spirit of their ancestors. As Sally and Gillian face their own personal trials, their bewitching powers come into play. Sally strives to lead a conventional life, suppressing her magical abilities and casting spells that bring her the mundane wishes of her suburban neighbors.
Review: In Tampa, Fall Out Boy’s explosive concert visited songs old and new
Celebrating 20 years since their debut record, the band brought an evening of pop-punk nostalgia and new hits during their “So Much for (Tour) Dust” show.
Pete Wentz, of Fall Out Boy, strums a fire-spitting bass at the MidFlorida Credit Union Ampitheatre on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
- Gabrielle Calise Times staff
TAMPA — Fall Out Boy’s headlining set at MidFlorida Credit Union Ampitheatre on Tuesday kicked off with a bang. Many earsplitting bangs, in fact.
After the red velvet curtain peeled open to reveal the four-piece band, the first handful of songs set the tone with a POP!-POP!-POP! of fireworks, plumes of fog and showers of sparks. Ribbons of flame flared across the stage and burst from the end of Pete Wentz’s bass, so hot you could feel it on your face in the seats.
In a dazzling concert packed with Fall Out Boy songs new and old, the band proved why they still have the hearts of pop-punk lovers of all ages. Their followers came to scream along to nearly 30 songs, wearing their Warped Tour-inspired best: freshly-dyed hair, “Make America Emo Again” T-shirts and a plethora of black Chuck Taylors.
The show fit in well during a summer of emo revival in Tampa Bay that has already featured many nostalgia-inducing concerts from the MySpace era, including Yellowcard, Blink-182 and Taking Back Sunday.
Patrick Stump, of Fall Out Boy, performs at the MidFlorida Credit Union Ampitheatre on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Fall Out Boy’s marathon set included songs from each of their eight studio albums. They touched on soaring anthem rock (”Centuries” and “Save Rock and Roll”) as well as throwbacks to their catchiest singalong hits (”This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” and “Sugar, We’re Goin Down”).
The quartet paid special attention to their latest and first projects: 2023′s “So Much (for) Stardust,” which fans have praised for evoking Fall Out Boy’s older sound that has been missing from the post-hiatus mainstream pop years, and “Take This To Your Grave,” their debut record which just turned 20.
As Fall Out Boy launched into songs from the latter, the more extreme pyrotechnical elements were traded for simple blue lighting: a nod to the “Take This To Your Grave” album cover. Singer Patrick Stump reminded fans that their journey kicked off, in some ways, in the Sunshine State.
“We wrote [“Dead on Arrival”] like 20 years ago, and we sent it into a label in Florida called Fueled By Ramen,” Stump said.
Andy Hurley, of Fall Out Boy, performs at the MidFlorida Credit Union Ampitheatre on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Stump remains a stunning vocalist, shining through the night as he howled his signature soulful belt. He’s a treat to watch prancing across the stage, but is best appreciated during the stripped-down moments. A highlight came during “What a Catch, Donnie,” watching Stump plunk away on the piano, face glistening with beads of sweat as he squeezed his eyes shut and showed off his falsetto.
Meanwhile, Gillian embraces her sensuality and embarks on passionate, albeit dangerous, relationships. The heart of "Practical Magic" lies in the bond between the sisters. Despite their differences, they support and protect each other through thick and thin. Sally and Gillian's connection illustrates the strength of sisterhood and the importance of standing together, even in the face of adversity. Although magic often brings joy and empowerment, it also serves as a cautionary element in the story. The Owens sisters, as well as their ancestors, learn that spells and potions cannot solely dictate the course of their lives. Instead, they must face their fears, confront their pasts, and seek love and acceptance for who they truly are. The film showcases the power of love as a force that transcends time and space. Sally's deep longing for a true love leads her to cast a spell, unintentionally summoning the spirit of her soulmate, Jimmy. Their connection is immediate and profound, portraying love as a magical force that cannot be denied. "Practical Magic" invites viewers into a world where spells and incantations exist alongside everyday struggles and triumphs. It reminds us that even in the midst of life's complexities, there is room for magic and wonder. Through its enchanting storytelling and charismatic performances, the film leaves us with a sense of hope and the belief that love and sisterhood can indeed conquer all..
Reviews for "Practicing Practical Magic with Tarot and Oracle Cards"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Practical Magic I Wished for You Too." It felt like a forced continuation of the original storyline, lacking the magic and charm that made the first book so special. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and the plot was predictable. I really wanted to love this book, but it just fell flat for me.
2. Robert - 1 star
I found "Practical Magic I Wished for You Too" to be a complete waste of time. The writing was tedious and uninspiring, and the story felt disjointed and confusing. I couldn't connect with the characters, and the supposed "magic" in the book felt contrived and unconvincing. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Amanda - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Practical Magic I Wished for You Too" as a fan of the original book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to them. The writing style felt clunky and forced, and the plot lacked depth and originality. The characters didn't have the same charm and relatability as in the first book, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout. Overall, I was left feeling let down by this continuation and wished for a more compelling storyline.
4. Michael - 1 star
"Practical Magic I Wished for You Too" was a disappointing read for me. The pacing was slow, and the story dragged on without much excitement. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked any real depth or development. I found myself skimming through the pages, waiting for something interesting to happen, but it never did. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and magical read.