'The Purge: Election Year'

Out now!

Welcome, to the third annual Hunger Games Battle Royale Purge, a film franchise where once a year American society crumbles to the level of a Donald Trump wet-dream as all crime - including murder - becomes entirely legal for twelve continuous hours.

Though it is only the third film in the popular franchise, 'The Purge: Election Year' largely takes place in 2040, eighteen years after the first Purge movie and seventeen years after Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) decided not to give in to vengeful rage in the sequel, 'The Purge: Anarchy'. In that time, things have moved towards great potential change, as Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), a survivor of a particularly brutal Purge Night, seeks to become President and put a stop to the yearly "festivities"...

...An endeavour that, predictably, doesn't sit well with the current powers that be.

Though the potential for hope and great change is a theme that hangs over proceedings and serves as a frequent point of discussion amongst the characters, not much has changed between sequels. Where 'The Purge: Anarchy' stood distinctly apart from the franchise's opener - transitioning a run-of-the-mill home-invasion horror in a wealthy household into a gritty and moderately compelling thriller on the streets of Los Angeles - there is little that separates 'The Purge: Election Year' from what came before. So much does it tread in it's own footprints, you wouldn't be blamed for assuming this is more akin to a remake than a sequel.

As was the case in subsequent seasons of '24', the biggest difference is the location. Instead of Los Angeles, the action this time takes place in and around Washington D.C. Equally following the pattern established by '24', Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier/Civil War) is once again out on the streets, joining up with a ragtag bunch of supporting characters as he attempts to fend off violent menaces and protect lives. Like Kiefer Sutherland's long-suffering character, Jack Bauer, Leo story is even entwined with the political machinations of others and has a presidential candidate to protect.

Grillo is actually on great form, further solidifying his position as one of the best actors of action working today. Gruff but enjoyably so, deftly weaving humour into proceedings with as much finesse as he handles fight scenes. Were he not already a Marvel veteran and were Jon Bernthal not already dominating the role, such performances would no doubt have made Frank Grillo a shoo-in for the part of 'The Punisher'.

Equally good is Elizabeth Mitchell ('Lost'), as the aforementioned senator. Whilst she is mostly around to be protected and drive the film forward, Mitchell imbues the character with strength, resilience, and pathos. Steadfast in her beliefs and convictions, she is often the heart of the film, a moral compass from which the aforementioned hope stems as she battles tooth and nail for what she deems to be the soul of her country.

The rest of the cast are solid across the board. Each gets a moment to shine - Kyle Secor is deliciously over-the-top as Charlie Roan's political rival, Joseph Julian Soria and Mykelti Williamson bring added warmth and the majority of laughs as the relatable everymen, and Betty Gabriel gets easily the most crowd-pleasing moment as the compassionate yet badass Laney Rucker - but unfortunately spends most of the runtime as little more than background noise. Betty Gabriel especially, is held back from delivering what could have been a truly landmark female role model, seamlessly being unafraid to do what needs to be done but eager to help those in need.

And therein lies the bulk of the issue with 'The Purge: Election Year'. Despite a promising concept, the film - as well as the franchise at large - is unable to fully live up to that potential, offering moments of brilliance amid a sea of wasted opportunity and unanwered questions that threaten to open gaping plot-holes. Why, when all crime is legal, do people only focus on murder? Would having a 12-hour Purge once a year really allow people to curb their psychotic urges? If crime is legal, why does everybody wear masks? Why do Purgers not go for each other? Were those annoying female characters actually of school age and why did they drive around in the most conspicuous car ever?

With Election Year, James DeMonaco clearly tried to inject the level of humour and satire people called for as vehemently as they called for a broader spectrum of chaos after the original film, most of it feels tacked on and goes nowhere. The rest of it has a hit or miss ratio that would put numerous baseball players out of work. There is an attempt at a message, but far too much of it is lost beneath the violent - as well as haunting - visuals that they seem to be trying to rally against.

The inclusion of Edwin Hodge from the first two films, finally given a name here, will try to convince you that there was a plan the whole time, but behind the smoke and mirrors lies a constant state of course-correction. As such, the franchise could - and most likely will - outlive us all. Whether it actually should though is no doubt a question that will be on most people's minds upon leaving the cinema, especially given how neatly Election Year could serve as the solid conclusion.

Given the increase of favourable opinions when the execution finally started living up to the potential of the overall concept, the familiar pace, beats, and visuals will be a welcome blessing to some. For others, however, it will prove to merely be merely a mildly compelling way to kill a few hours.

Both puns very much intended.

Review by Jay Thomas.

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