Review of The Purge (2013) by Benjamin G — 25 Jul 2014

Due to some surprisingly positive reviews for 'The Purge: Anarchy', I have decided to give the franchise a chance. Here's my review of 2013's The Purge. I've always enjoyed the home invasion sub-genre, and feel like it rarely gets explored properly.

David Fincher did an excellent job with 'Panic Room', and I loved last year's 'You're Next', but I struggle to think of any others that really impressed me. The Purge takes a highly unique, thought provoking premise and sadly, wastes it.

I found myself rolling my eyes constantly at the mind numbingly stupid decisions made by almost every one of the characters. Ethan Hawke seemed to be the only one thinking realistically, and without giving too much away, the film paints him as somewhat of a douche.

This movie is also overflowing with cliches, one of which is used so many times it becomes a joke (see if you can figure out which one it is). The small cast is serviceable, with both Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey giving the most worthwhile performances.

This isn't a bad movie, and I did find myself enjoying parts of it, but it does feel like a missed opportunity at something much greater - I think that's what disappoints the most.