Review of The Purge: Anarchy (2014) by Christopher H — 28 Oct 2014

Messing with expectations, "The Purge: Anarchy" really is the quintessential embodiment of the old saying "don't judge a book by its cover." Subtly, however, is not its strongest suit.

In the follow-up to last year's "The Purge", starring Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey, Universal and director James DeMonaco prove that they are listening to the fans and giving them what they want.

The original was said to be slightly too small scale and did not delve deep enough into the "everything is legal for one night a year" premise. This time around the characters are stuck outside on Purge night and running through the streets of Los Angeles provide a much heartier glimpse at what this world looks like.

The night's journey becomes this strange maze-like adventure with carnage and death around every corner. Whether it is the wealthy citizens killing for sport at an auction or an insane woman with a megaphone and a rifle on the roof of a building, DeMonaco does a decent job of defining this world.