Review of The Purge: Anarchy (2014) by Phillipé S — 14 Mar 2015

The Purge: Anarchy is, much like the recent Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, an improvement on its predecessor but where the gain is only of mole hill proportions where Dawn is regarded, it's of mountainous measure when comparing Anarchy with its previous installment. It is in every conceivable way a more satisfying and often cathartic cinematic experience. Solidly built characters backed by impressive performances and smart scripting help construct an all-too-possible world alive with savage heart and humanity. On more than one occasion I caught myself tearing up when the going got heavy and was surprised on more than occasion by how invested I was in each character, something sorely in deficit in the first Purge.

This time around we find ourselves in league with a party of everyday survivors and individuals with the misfortune of being caught in the crossfire as the impending social bloodbath approaches commencement. The social and political commentary on the class disparity between the haves and the have-nots is considerably more poignant and effective this time around as you get to witness first hand, the position most of middle class America could find themselves in if not properly protected. Middle and lower class citizens and a disproportionate number of minorities find themselves vulnerable to the mayhem while the wealthy and majority white are privy to protection and gross indulgence in the national holiday.

Anarchy ramps up the tension without sacrificing character and that makes this sequel a surprising winner.