Review of The Purge: Election Year (2016) by Junelkean — 20 Jan 2018
It's no coincidence that "The Purge: Election Year" is released during the election campaign of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton with director James DeMonaco handling the film once again. The same concept from "The Purge" is taken by "Anarchy", making a home-invasion horror hit into a road-rage sequel. Now, "Election Year" continues to expand its setting into the territory of liberty and politics.
Making his comeback is Leo Barnes (Grillo), who's helping presidential candidate Charlotte Roan (Mitchell) to survive the 12-hour mayhem, after her anti-Purge platform threatens the New Founding Fathers of America.
Election Year furthers to increase the franchise's budget, but also its premise. There is a much broader scope involved here including political turmoil and the nature of gender and races, without diminishing the fact that it is still a Purge movie. If it's supposed to be entertaining, it delivers. If it's supposed to be dark, it works. And thanks to DeMonaco, we've got the best Purge movie in the franchise.
Grillo, Mitchell and the rest of the cast's arcs and motivations are compelling. Nonetheless, there are some repetitive moments and silly escapes throughout the movie.
VERDICT: Despite its shortcomings, Election Year is an essential political satire of our generation.
This review of The Purge: Election Year (2016) was written by Junelkean on 20 Jan 2018.
The Purge: Election Year has generally received mixed reviews.
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