Movie Review: The Purge; Anarchy 2014 *Do you want to purge?*

This movie is the sequel to one of the hits of 2013, ThePurge that had Ethan Hawke in the lead role. It’s not one of those follow up sequels with the same cast to continue or extend the story being told in the prequel but packs an entire different cast and story line which maintains the original concept of the purge. 

The purge’s concept is…. A not so distant future (2023) where crime is low and unemployment has reached below 5% but one day in a year is set aside for the annual purge were all crimes including murder is legal and free from punishment for 24hours. Purposely to allow citizens to cleanse and purify their hearts and souls from all the hate, anger and resentments in side them by releasing aggression. (Sounds crazy right?)

This particular purge movie follows a couple, a police sergeant and a mother and daughter who are caught up in the purge based on different circumstances who meet up by chance and must help each other as they attempt to survive the night in Los Angeles.

Personally, I feel this story certainly has more content than its prequel but the good thing is you don’t need to have watched the 2013 prequel to get comfortable with this one. The movie starts with scenes to explain the whole idea of purging so you are basically prepared for what you are about to watch. Also, the story line does not have any direct link to the not so broad prequel. It’s simple and straight forward and you do not have to do any thinking to get what is going on or is about to happen. I feel the writers made a huge step up on the previous ones script, taking the whole concept a bit deeper and broader. The acting….well, the roles where simple but I feel the lead characters fell short on delivering the right emotions for certain situations they found themselves in ….nonetheless it was good. 

I would describe this movie as a beautiful combination of horror, thriller and action in controlled proportions. The writer had the mix right this time around.

I wouldn't say this was a perfect movie at all, for me…. there where no standout moments or performances since the story kept the same pace from start to finish. I also didn't like that a closer look at the details of this story hints a political back drop. (I hate politics that much.) It didn't ruin the movie in any sense at all but I didn't like the idea even though I feel it was necessary to broaden the depth of the concept this movie surrounds. Also I felt that some of the scenes weren't necessary at all. (Just to kill time.) For anyone who hates mindless violence you should expect to see some in this movie….lucky enough they are mild scenes and not vividly over done. 

Of course there is some decent suspense tactfully scripted to keep the viewer interested in the story as it goes on for 103mins. A lot of human elements such as fear, anger, revenge and heroism are exploited in ways not many movies of this kind have been able to perfect. 

That is why I would rate it ….. 6/10.

Although I would highly suggest parental guidance for minors, I recommend this movie for anyone who loves a good thrill even if they haven’t already seen the first film. (You should watch that one too if you can so you can also make your own comparison of the two.) This movie didn't disappoint at all…. It’s something you would definitely not mind watching more than once. 

I am still wondering if the whole idea of a Purge can be successful in real life. 

Do you want to purge?

Watch Trailer Here