P2 Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: An obsessed parking lot attendant takes a workaholic hostage on Christmas Eve.

Review: It's a little late, but just consider this a last minute Christmas gift, or, in the case of this movie, leftovers. Seriously, what kind of name is "P2?" I guess it's the Christmas theme that's throwing me off, because it feels like it needs a more holiday inspired title. My theory is that this is the unofficial sequel to "American Beauty" since it stars Wes "plastic bag" Bentley as the stalker. Now before you go thinking I'm merely joking, hear me out on this one. After the events of AB, Ricky and Jane claimed they were going to move to New York City where supposedly drug dealers could help them out. Where does "P2" take place? Yup, NYC. I suspect while unable to compete with the city's drug gangs, Ricky gets a job as a parking lot attendant under the name of Tom: this film's stalker; he might not even be named Tom since there's no way to confirm this. I propose that Jane and Ricky split apart, because Jane could not cope with her father's death and maybe partly blamed Ricky. Given the way Ricky was obsessed with Jane, how would that affect him if they broke up? Maybe Ricky killed her since he couldn't let her go. Tom has an obsessive personality and is willing to go to psychotic lengths to get his girl; sounds a lot like Ricky, huh? Now this is where things get interesting. This film's lead, Angela, looks and has the same name as Jane's best friend in AB! Maybe Ricky always did have a thing for AB's Angela and so he has fixated on a new replacement. This film's Tom acts in the same way as Ricky, and it's not much of a stretch to see their similar personalities and obsessive-like behavior. Now the real kickers are the fact that Tom records this Angela on video the same way Ricky would, and, best for last, the first thing Tom gives Angela is a rose which is the primary image of AB! IT ALL ADDS UP!!! Or...maybe I've been watching too many movies...

This is that kind of movie you watch once, don't hate but don't necessarily love, and then forget all about its existence until someone like me reviews it. There are plenty of good things going on here though, like the Christmasy feel is commendable considering the majority of the action takes place in an underground parking lot. The usage of the Christmas music does actually enhance a lot of scenes, and I like a lot of the offbeat choices. Mr. Bentley does a good job bringing to life a believably insane stalker with his especially cold eyes. Angela, played by cleavage--I mean Rachel Nichols, is not a well-developed character, but Ms. Nichols does her best to work with the material and bring a little personality to the role. Since this is essentially a film with only two players, the dynamics between Angela and Tom are adequate as they clash. The pacing is maybe the best element as we jump from one scenario to the next never leaving the audience bored with a fairly short film. There were a few general nuances I felt were interesting like Tom dressing Angela up in the dress, Tom giving Angela a chance to spend time with him nicely, and Angela always trying to talk her way out of situations. Lastly, did I mention that cleavage?! On the other hand, there's really nothing we haven't seen a thousand times before. We never learn why Tom is so obsessed with Angela nor do we get an inference on whether he's done this before considering how planned out this scheme appears to be. Speaking of which, had Angela gone along willingly, Tom would have killed a few people for nothing or are we to believe he set the whole thing into motion in the short period she was unconscious? There are supposed to be slasher-esque elements, but they are way too spread out and feel contrived although Angela's boss/coworker/whatever's death was especially gory. Everything else is mostly just acceptable or mediocre--not really hindering or helping the movie one way or another.

I would say this is that kind of Christmas horror film you watch when you're running out of ideas or tired of the endless array of killer santas. There are some good moments, and it is an above average film overall, but it lacks some kind of added oomph to make it worthwhile. Obviously if you're a fan of either Ms. Nichols or Mr. Bentley this is a must watch since they are basically the only actors involved. I'm going to say this is worth a viewing, but it helps if you're already feeling festive and realize this is more of a thriller with light horror and Christmas elements.

Notable Moment: When Angela is calling for help but some homeless person starts imitating her. What the hell was that all about? So random and yet such a contrivance.

Final Rating: 5.5/10