P2

“P2” opens with the main character, Angela, working late on Christmas Eve. She has to hurry, because her family is waiting on her to make it in time for dinner. As she attempts to start her car, she finds it will not. After several failed attempts, she decides to find the parking attendant (Tom—Wes Bentley of “American Beauty”). Little does she know, he already has plans for her…

For quite some time, Tom has been watching Angela over the security cameras in her office building. At an office party, a married co-worker of Angela’s attempts to make a pass at her, but she refused. This, too, Tom saw—and decided he must take revenge. This is the first really graphic scene we get the “pleasure” of viewing. I won’t go into detail, but it leaves nothing to the imagination, and it is very disturbing to watch. As the film unfolds, Tom ends up killing two individuals and appears to be trying to kill Angela as well.

I won’t give away the ending, or any real details, but I will say that this movie is not only pointless, but as Solomon put it, “…nothing new under the sun.” “P2” is simply many other violent movies repackaged, with different methods of murder.

One element that really bothered me was Tom’s attitude about vengeance. Tom saw Angela’s co-worker’s attempts at flirtation and felt he had to take revenge. First, God tells us that “vengeance is mine… it is mine to repay,” and we are also told in Scripture that we are to “leave room for God’s wrath.” Tom took it upon himself to give out this man’s punishment. It was very hard to watch, but it was a good illustration, to me, why it is so important to not hold on to anger and vengeance within our hearts. It can overpower us. What’s more, in his vengeance, he displayed total disregard for human life. This is such a trend in films today, especially of this genre. Tom, also, had a pet dog he deeply loved. Towards the end, Angela does kill it. Tom becomes outraged over his dog, yet finds justification in murdering innocent people. This disturbed me very much.

Another element that bothered me was the mild, but obvious, sexuality included. Angela wears a VERY revealing dress for half of the movie, and, in one scene, Tom caresses her in a very sexual manner. Both of these things were totally unnecessary and added NOTHING of value to this film.

My advice, overall, do not waste your time or money on this film. It is very dark, and we are told in Scripture that whatever is pure, lovely, admirable, etc.—think on such things. This movie is NONE of those things.

Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Moderate