Director:Â Gerard McMurray
Cast:Â Marisa Tomei, Melonie Diaz, Lex Scott Davis, Luna Lauren Velez, Patch Darragh, Y’lan Noel
Rating: 15
Running time: 97 mins
Release date:Â 04/07/2018
Times in the political and world arena are moving so quickly and inevitably movies will do their best to reflect the changing times.
Amazingly, in the space of five eventful years, there have been no fewer than four films in the PURGE series, THE PURGE (2013), THE PURGE: ANARCHY (2014), THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR (2016) and – as is often the case with very successful franchises now – a prequel outlining how it all started, THE FIRST PURGE, which is released July 2018.
The new film chronicles how it all began, with the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) deciding to test a theory of channelling aggression into a specific area of the United States with a view to reduce the crime rate below one-per-cent and thus achieve a year-long target. Representatives also offer a financial incentive to the selected area, Staten Island in New York to stay inside for the duration of the twelve-hour test.
The concept of a set period of anarchy has certainly been welcomed with less enthusiasm in some circles, notably the gangs in the community who are determined to protect their lots, but the Government senses purpose amidst the chaos, even if it means destroying the very thing that protects the communities it needs to thrive….
The cause of all this is an ambitious lady, Dr. Update aka The Architect (played by Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei) who wishes only the best for her country’s future.
This is first and foremost a film for fans of the previous trio of PURGE films and the ground is well trod in a tale of style-over-substance. James DeMonaco, who wrote and directed the previous entries, is the sole writer on this film, which is directed by Gerald McMurray. Platinum Dunes continue to corner the market in dark-hearted cinema, coming off the back end of their tremendous success with the Emily Blunt / John Krasinski horror hit A QUIET PLACE.
The film certainly has its moments and there are some atmospheric sequences, which are reminiscent of the likes of THE RAID films and DIE HARD amongst others. However one cannot help but think that the barrel is running low. Still, if it makes the right amount of money, expect a further film or two in the PURGE series.
