You sometimes wonder whether film-makers have a sixth sense about material, or whether it is blind luck that they tap into the mindset of the world. In 1979, THE CHINA SYNDROME achieved great success because of a real-life accident at Three Mile Island that mirrored the story of a nuclear reactor breaking down. The Michael Douglas production subsequently did very well at the box office.

THE PURGE – ELECTION YEAR may not achieve the same heights as that as the third in the series of night riot survival films, but it certainly seems to be onto something, given the current Presidential election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton hotting up. The film-makers clearly seem to have been following the developments and perhaps their vision here is to get a sense of what may just happen if THE APPRENTICE USA mentor does get into the Oval Office.

Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell) is on the cusp of a historic victory against the oppressive New Founding Fathers regime, led by Minister Edwidge Owens (Kyle Secor). On the night of the annual Purge, Roan decides to stay put in her house with heightened security, led by her current head, Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo). You can be as sure as hell that this is going to not end pleasantly when it all kicks in being the film it is, as Roan and Barnes escape an assassination attempt on her and head into the disquieting city streets. Meanwhile, shopkeeper Joe Dixon (Mykelti Williamson) suddenly finds himself the target of a couple of shoplifters who return after the Purge begins to claim more than the candy bars they were caught attempting to steal by Dixon, starting the pattern of the night where there is much at stake for the future of America….

If you are a fan of the previous films, there is much to enjoy here in a film that is competently shot, staged with a fair amount of good-natured humour. Given the tone of the film, this is a dark and brutal film where people don’t emerge unscathed and scarred emotionally by the events. It’s perfectly enjoyable, although the political context doesn’t really wash as well as it should do. Constructive reasoning by the American people will be the key to the White House come November 2016 and to incorporate it into a film like this that works perfectly well without any political agenda attached (think OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, AIR FORCE ONE and any number of home invasion and hostage films like DIE HARD and you get the drift!) isn’t really adding to the discussion. Politics is ever changing and there are stronger examples of films that define the political landscape aside from this one.

That said, the film is elevated to above the norm by Williamson’s courageous performance as Dixon and Mitchell and Grillo hold the screen well as Roan and Barnes. Even if you haven’t seen the previous films, you will get it straightaway. It’s a darkly comic, albeit profane and violent thriller which pushes the right buttons.

Verdict

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Film and TV Journalist Follow: @Higgins99John Follow: @filmandtvnow