THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR Is A Political Nightmare

It’s been two years since Leo Barnes decided not to go through with his revenge kill in The Purge: Anarchy. He now works as head of security for presidential hopeful Charlie Roan. After surviving her own Purge night horror, she vows to put an end to the event if she becomes elected. After being betrayed by someone on the security staff, it’s up to Barnes and a group of random civilians to keep her safe until morning.

Frank Grillo once again proves his action-star ability as he commands the audience and exudes believability. I really enjoyed how they continued the story of his character Leo Barnes. After being a standout in the second movie, the trajectory of his character made sense.

We meet up with Barnes right in the middle of the presidential campaign and his sole purpose is to keep Senator Roan safe from all harm. Due to her protest of The Purge, the exemption is lifted on all government officials, making her vulnerable just as average civilians. Luckily Barnes knows to be ready for anything and keeps himself poised for any changes in his safety plan.

After becoming stranded on the streets fearing for their survival, a group of rebels jump in to help keep Roan safe. Also exposing her to an even deeper look of Purge night and its effects on the lower class. These characters were definitely a crowd favorite. There’s Joe, a deli owner played by Mykelti Williamson (Bubba from Forrest Gump), his employee Marco and a close friend. Joe is definitely the comedic relief of the film and had the audience bursting with laughter over the crazy things he would say. All the while staying within tone of the film.

This movie plays as more of an action/political thriller than a horror movie. There are still plenty of jumps and gruesome scenes but the root of the film is the social injustice of The Purge, and even things we face now. It’s not so much torture/haunted house as the first film and more of a frightening take on how society could evolve. The film examines how the government takes advantage, how insurance companies can abuse the system, and how those in the lower classes become effected more. It’s not too politically motivated that you’ll become distracted, but you can definitely see how the storytelling in the film mirrors our real world in some way.

As far as this being the last of the series, I have a feeling they could squeeze one more out. But I won’t give away anymore. The Purge: Election Year comes out this July 4th weekend.