It’s been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night. Now serving as head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), his mission is to protect her in a run for president and survive the annual ritual that targets the poor and innocent. But when a betrayal forces them onto the streets of D.C. on the one night when no help is available, they must stay alive until dawn…or both be sacrificed for their sins against the state.
Director: James DeMonaco
Cast: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Edwin Hodge,
Mykelti Williamson, Joseph Julian Soria
Release Date: Jul
01, 2016
Rated R for Disturbing bloody violence and strong
language.
Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Horror, Suspense/Thriller
Review:
The Purge series has always had a kind of 70’s 80’s
exploitation vibe to it, reminiscent of classic John Carpenter. This series has always had a better concept
than execution. Even the sequel which
surpassed the original film in many ways is a flawed film. The Purge: Election Year is a mixed bag as
well. It’s got some heady ideas which
are thrown about in the least subtle way possible. There are a few moments were the film takes
an artistic slant for an exploitation film but it never really achieves a solid
flow. The cast of characters always play
more as types than living breathing characters.
Sadly, Frank Grillo’s returning character is more of a secondary
character this go around, mainly due to the expanded roster of superfluous
characters. Some of the new characters
are interesting or fun but a handful seem redundant. Mykelti Williamson does the best work he can
with the clunky script and leaves the biggest impression. The Purge: Election Year wasn’t ever going to
be an Oscar worthy film but it still doesn’t excuse it’s overall
clumsiness.
C
