Stars: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson
Storyline
It's been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night. Now serving as head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), his mission is to protect her in a run for president and survive the annual ritual that targets the poor and innocent. But when a betrayal forces them onto the streets of D.C. on the one night when no help is available, they must stay alive until dawn...or both be sacrificed for their sins against the state.
Cast: Frank Grillo -
Leo Barnes
Elizabeth Mitchell -
Senator Charlie Roan
Mykelti Williamson -
Joe Dixon
Joseph Julian Soria -
Marcos
Betty Gabriel -
Laney Rucker
Terry Serpico -
Earl Danzinger
Edwin Hodge -
Dante Bishop
Kyle Secor -
Minister Edwidge Owens
Barry Nolan -
Reporter #1
Liza Colón-Zayas -
Dawn
(as Liza Colon-Zayas)
Ethan Phillips -
Chief Couper
Adam Cantor -
Tall Eric Busmalis
Christopher James Baker -
Harmon James
Jared Kemp -
Rondo
Brittany Mirabile -
Schoolgirl #1 Freakbride /
Kimmy
Taglines:
For one night only, America invites you to its annual tradition.
Trivia:
The first Purge film to be a direct story sequel, as it continues exploring the life of Frank Grillo's Sergeant Leo Barnes. See more »
User Review
Author:
Rating: 7/10
With the holiday coming up, the movie industry is doing its best to
rope people into the theaters. You would think something patriotic like
a war story, a biography of a founding father, or some type of
political coming of age movie. But my first review is on a horror
instead…that has to due with politics. My review is on The Purge:
Election Year, the third installment in a series I never expected to
have this much ground. Yours truly heads into the trenches to provide
you another review and help guide your thoughts on how to spend your
tickets in the theaters.
The GOOD: • Comedy • Semi Decent plot • Suspenseful
The first point has to be a surprise, but yes the Purge: Election Year
has some decent comedy to lighten up the aggressively somber mood. I
mainly laughed at the commentary from Joe, a local deli shop owner with
an interesting background on his own. Joe's lines are a menagerie of
one- liners, quips, and racial banter that had the audience laughing.
Despite some of the intense moments, the writers made the lines very
tasteful, making sure to add a fun edge that hopefully won't insult the
masses. Some of the other characters have their moments as well, timed
equally well to maximize the laughs.
But you didn't come for laughs, you came for suspense that the night of
legalized murder has provided in the past. You might think that a third
installment has lost its edge, but surprisingly Election Year keeps the
same on the seat moments as the last one. Like its predecessor, this
movie takes our characters onto the streets, each forging their own
path through the chaotic forest of crazy violence. I was pulled into
the movie not by the mindless killing, but by the wonder of which
member of the merry band would bite the dust. Part of what helped this
was a semi-decent, albeit rushed, plot that had a little more backbone
than mindless murder. Election Year's plot brings us further down the
rabbit hole as to the point of the Purge and fills into those pot holes
left at the end of the second movie. It's nothing special, but the
character profiles were what kept my interest and fostered a bond with
all the characters.
The BAD • Pointless cursing/overacting • Violence substituted for plot
• All the political issues it can drum up
No surprise, but a Rated R movie is going to have cursing, I get that I
do. But as always the case, our writers get a little overzealous with
dirtying the mouths of characters. Election Year unfortunately is not
spared that fate as characters, mainly extras, fill their roles with
overacted, dramatically-emphasized cursing that is more annoying than
anything. I know it is to make you hate the character who will
certainly die in the end, but they could have done it without such
grandiose tactics. The silver lining of this, it is for limited run
times so yay for that.
A second weakness for me, is substituting the violence for the plot.
Now don't rip my head off, it is the Purge, a holiday that is only
about violence and celebrating death, of course there will be violence.
However, the Purge really needs to drop the glorified torture scenes
and disturbing dances of craziness to provide more kick to their tale.
That doesn't mean get rid of it all, after all there were plenty of
jump at you moments where the violence was perfect, but Election Years
tangents showing mask-wearing extras dancing or setting an elaborate
trap that really doesn't work. This is another example of editing not
eliminating all unnecessary scenes.
But perhaps the biggest weakness for me is the political issues this
movie is sure to spark. Back in the day, you could make a movie like
this and not start a revolution, but modern times have left our people
a little more easily offended these days. The Purge's overdramatic
antics, dialogue, and factions are certainly going to divide people and
perhaps incite their own revolution on some level. All of the excessive
violence, racial slurs, and political issues are over glorified, and I
saw these effects take fruit in my theater with a few overzealous fans.
So why did I bring this point up? Two reasons. The first is the
political rants and corrupt speeches are cheesy, overdone, and eye
rolling. The second is that if you are easily offended, no matter how
much you like horror, you should not see this movie.
The Verdict
Despite being a third installment, The Purge Election Year certainly
brings the same bite it always has. Yes, it is overdramatic and
glorifies violence, and at times is certainly reflective of a mad man's
mind. However, as far as horror movies go, it is surprisingly decent in
terms of plot, action, and suspense that will entertain many of this
genre. With interesting characters and a fast moving pace, you
certainly won't be bored for the 105 minute run time. Necessary for a
trip to the theater? Not really, but those who love the dive into the
mad realm of murder, will certainly enjoy this tale.
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