Film Review: Practical Magic 2. It was never about the witches.

Let’s get one thing out of the way. Practical Magic 2 is not really about witches. Yes, there are spells and potions and a family curse. But the magic is the sisterhood.

It is about family, but mostly it is about what it means to be sisters and what it means to be women. These two sisters are bound by blood, but we all have sisters beyond our blood lines. We are bound by the common denominator of our shared history and our commitment to one another.

It is about courage, determination and collaboration. It is about never giving up on the people you love, even when they are making you absolutely crazy. And really, if that isn’t family, what is?

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are fabulous together. Something unexpected. Their comedic timing is impeccable. And this is not easy comedy. One pause that lasts a second too long, one raised eyebrow delivered a second too early, and the entire thing falls apart. What should be ridiculous becomes completely believable because they believe it. And, they are seemingly have a fabulous time.

But I do have to say one thing.

What the hell happened to everyone’s faces?

Every fabulous actress who comes on the screen appeared to be wearing a version of the same mask, courtesy of surgeons trying to bring back youth and erase every line.

Dianne Wiest? How could you?

Stockard Channing looked as though a facelift from many years ago had finally given up the ghost. And Sandra Bullock? Seriously? You have been through so much and stood so steadfastly in strength and courage. You couldn’t let us see you age?

Every single fucking woman on that screen.

Apparently, the one curse even the Owens women cannot break is Hollywood’s terror of a wrinkle.

And it made me sad. Here was a movie about women, history and everything handed down from one generation to the next, but none of the women was allowed to carry that history on her face.

Still, the film opened at number one, making $30 million domestically and $46 million worldwide. Women showed up for a film centered on women, carried by women and largely about the relationships between women.

So yes, we can carry center stage. Sisters can carry center stage. Stories about women, courage, history, determination and collaboration can carry center stage.

Note to Hollywood. Do it more often.

And perhaps let us bring our wrinkles with us.