October 11th, 2013: The Purge

"Despite some cliched horror characters and tropes, The Purge is recommendable to those who like the short, sweet, and cathartic violent enjoyment of a solid thriller." - Kofi Outlaw, ScreenRant

It's 2022, crime and unemployment rates are at an all-time-low, and the United States has never been a better place live.  This is all because the corrupt new government has established an annual 12 hour period where all criminal activity becomes legal; this "purge" allows murder, rape, and theft. It was created to release all the hatred and rage that is built up in each individual, thus lowering annual crime rates.

Ethan Hawke is James Sandin, a home security salesman who live in a wealthy community with his family.  Because of the purge, his business has been extremely successful. He installed the majority of the security systems throughout his neighborhood, and obviously Mr. Sandin himself has his loved ones protected within his own household as well. 

After a 7pm lockdown, the Sandins go about their regular nights as if they were staying in.  Everything is going as planned until young Charlie lets a stranger into their home.  The man disappears and hides from the family.  Shortly after, a group of masked purge supporters approach the house.  Their leader informs James that the man they are hiding in their home was their target.  If the family does not give up the stranger, they will break into their home.

The Purge received a lot of negative reviews and was said that it did not live up to its hype.  I honestly think those people were looking for a lot more than what they should have been expecting.  Yes, the trailer sets it up to be a smart, futuristic home invasion thriller.  Which it certainly is, but it's still a horror movie. 

The replay value of The Purge is kind of weak but the first time around is absolutely entertaining.  There are some cliche moments and predictable plot points but it will still have you glued to the screen.  I went into it wanting a few jumps and grotesque visuals involving the masks.  My wish was granted. 

-CS