I avoided The Purge when it hit theatres last summer because of the mixed word of mouth . . . and my tendency to avoid going to the theatre. Strange for a critic, I know. But, with the sequel looming, I figured it was high time to catch up with this Blumhouse production. How does it rate? Stick with me!
In the future, a wealthy family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legalized.
The Purge was praised for it's unique idea, but criticized because the story played out as little more than a home-invasion movie. Truth is, I think most people missed the point.
I dug this flick a lot. I liked the social commentary, the moral debate at the flick's core, and yeah, the carnage. I cheered on more than one death or beat down. Would I take part in a Purge if such an event were legalized? The answer scares me.
In fact, this is a scary movie only in that the cynic in me can see The Purge becoming a reality. Anyone who thinks it can't is high on cotton candy. In that sense, The Purge is a topical movie.
Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey are good as always, but I especially liked Rhys Wakefield's Polite Stranger. He brings a much-needed menace and creep factor to this movie. And the man could play The Joker in a future Batman flick. He'd be perfect.
Is this franchise worthy? I think the concept is. It's all in how future filmmakers tell future stories. I'm gonna give The Purge a Good and consider my ticket bought for at least the next installment.
In the future, a wealthy family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legalized.
The Purge was praised for it's unique idea, but criticized because the story played out as little more than a home-invasion movie. Truth is, I think most people missed the point.
I dug this flick a lot. I liked the social commentary, the moral debate at the flick's core, and yeah, the carnage. I cheered on more than one death or beat down. Would I take part in a Purge if such an event were legalized? The answer scares me.
In fact, this is a scary movie only in that the cynic in me can see The Purge becoming a reality. Anyone who thinks it can't is high on cotton candy. In that sense, The Purge is a topical movie.
Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey are good as always, but I especially liked Rhys Wakefield's Polite Stranger. He brings a much-needed menace and creep factor to this movie. And the man could play The Joker in a future Batman flick. He'd be perfect.
Is this franchise worthy? I think the concept is. It's all in how future filmmakers tell future stories. I'm gonna give The Purge a Good and consider my ticket bought for at least the next installment.
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