American Psycho II: All American Girl (2002) – Movie Review
Introduction
“American Psycho II: All American Girl” is a 2002 black comedy slasher film directed by Morgan J. Freeman. A sequel to the cult classic “American Psycho” (2000), the film stars Mila Kunis and William Shatner. Unlike its predecessor, which was based on Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, this sequel takes a different narrative direction, focusing on a young woman’s deadly ambitions in the world of academia. This review explores the film’s plot, performances, and overall reception, and provides information on where to watch it in the United States.
Plot Summary
The film follows Rachael Newman (Mila Kunis), a criminology student with a dark past. As a child, Rachael narrowly escaped being murdered by the infamous Patrick Bateman, the serial killer from the original “American Psycho.” Instead of becoming a victim, she kills Bateman and becomes obsessed with achieving perfection and success.
Rachael enrolls in college with the goal of becoming a teaching assistant to the prestigious Professor Robert Starkman (William Shatner), a position that will secure her future career in the FBI. However, the competition for the assistantship is fierce, and Rachael resorts to extreme measures to eliminate her rivals.
As Rachael’s body count rises, she maintains a façade of a diligent and charming student, all the while concealing her psychopathic tendencies. The film explores themes of ambition, identity, and the thin line between sanity and madness.
Performances
Mila Kunis stars as Rachael Newman, delivering a performance that mixes charm with a chilling edge. Kunis’s portrayal of Rachael captures the character’s dual nature—outwardly composed and inwardly ruthless. However, the film’s script and direction often limit her ability to fully explore the depths of her character.
William Shatner plays Professor Robert Starkman, providing a charismatic presence that adds a touch of gravitas to the film. Shatner’s performance as the unsuspecting professor offers a contrast to Kunis’s manipulative student, though his character is somewhat underdeveloped.
The supporting cast, including Geraint Wyn Davies as the university dean and Lindy Booth as Rachael’s rival Cassandra, contribute to the film’s academic setting and narrative tension. However, their roles are largely overshadowed by the central focus on Rachael’s lethal ambitions.
Visual Style and Direction
Directed by Morgan J. Freeman, “American Psycho II” features a straightforward visual style that focuses on the campus environment and the interactions between characters. The cinematography by Vanja Černjul captures the contrast between the seemingly serene college setting and the dark undercurrents of Rachael’s actions.
The film’s direction aims to balance elements of dark comedy and slasher horror, though it often struggles to find a cohesive tone. The result is a film that feels disjointed, lacking the satirical edge and psychological complexity of its predecessor.
Reception and Legacy
“American Psycho II: All American Girl” received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and fans of the original film. Many criticized it for its tenuous connection to the first “American Psycho” and its departure from the themes and style that made the original a cult classic. The film’s attempt to blend dark comedy with slasher elements was seen as unsuccessful, resulting in a lackluster and forgettable sequel.
Despite its reception, the film has gained a degree of notoriety for its connection to the “American Psycho” franchise and the early performance of Mila Kunis, who later achieved greater fame in other roles.
Streaming and Purchase Options in the U.S.
For those interested in watching “American Psycho II: All American Girl,” several streaming and purchase options are available in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
“American Psycho II: All American Girl” attempts to build on the legacy of its predecessor with a new narrative focused on a young woman’s deadly pursuit of academic success. Featuring performances by Mila Kunis and William Shatner, the film offers a mix of dark comedy and slasher horror but ultimately fails to capture the psychological depth and satirical edge of the original “American Psycho.” Despite its negative reception, it remains a part of the franchise’s history and may appeal to those curious about its connection to the original film.
