The Purge: Movie Review
I know that this movie is 3 years old and I'm already kind of familiar with the story. For those who haven't watched this, don't read on, because this review is sure to have a lot of spoilers.
**SPOILER ALERT**
You have been warned.
Plot Summary:
The story opens with the news on tv announcing the incoming Annual Purge in America. Back in 2018, the Purge has been mandated by the "New Founding Fathers" after America has suffered from economic collapse. This tradition's purpose is for Americans to have an outlet to release their inner beasts and innate violence and contain all these into a single night. There will be no repercussions for whatever crime committed within the 12-hour purge. This event commences from March 21-22 every year. For the past 2 years, the purge has been successful in helping improve America's economy and decrease the crime and unemployment rate.
The protagonist, James Sandin, is a well-off businessman who sells high-end security systems to those who can afford protection during the annual Purge. Most of their neighbors have bought their services and a few of them have expressed their jealousy/insecurities towards their success. James comes home to his wife, Mary, preparing dinner for tonight's lockdown. Not even an ounce of worry on their faces. After lockdown, everyone separates and goes to their own rooms.
Their daughter, Zoey, was surprised to see her boyfriend hiding in her room. Being that he was much older than Zoey, he wanted to convince James about his love for his daughter. He tried to sneak in the house before lockdown; knowing full well that he can't be kicked out because of the ongoing Purge.
On the other hand, Charlie, the Sandins' son, was lurking in the control room and he noticed that there was a man shouting for help outside of their house. He opened the doors and lets the mysterious man inside. Frantic, James shut down the gates but it was too late. He found the mysterious man on the threshold. James tried to confront him but he was distracted by Zoey's boyfriend who was walking down the stairs with a gun in his hand. He tried to shoot James but James was faster and had better aim. Zoey pulled him to her room and there, he died.
A few minutes passed and the Sandins' had more visitors on their front lawn. The group were comprised of young elitists who were trying to chase the mysterious man that was now given refuge and is currently hiding in the Sandins' home. They demanded that the man be released to them alive or else, they will break down the walls and kill them all. Their power supply have been cut off to send a message. Zoey, still traumatized by his boyfriend's death was nowhere to be found. Their son used his mobile robot to direct the man to his secret hiding spot. Zoey makes a mistake to hide in the same spot and was held hostage by the man.
Running out of time and with their conscience stopping them to hand over the man to the group outside, the whole house was invaded by the murderous group. James and Mary tried their best to eliminate most of them to protect their family but they were overpowered. A few of their neigbors noticed the commotion and went over to kill the group. Grateful, Mary thanked their neighbors for the help.
However, their plan was to kill the Sandins themselves. James was unconsious from his knife wound and so Mary and the children were bound together, begging for mercy. The group prayed over them before they start the murder. All of a sudden, the mysterious man reappears and holds the group's leader hostage. Their neighbors were forced to release Mary and the kids. The mysterious man asked Mary if she wanted to kill the neighbors. She refuses and makes them wait in the dining room until the Purge was over. Mary thanks the mysterious man and the movie closes with the news reports announcing that this year's Purge was the most successful one to-date.
Review:
Wow, that's a long summary. I had to edit it over and over again to make it shorter and this was the best I ended up with.
Anyway, we all know whose fault it was when everything got fucked up (please excuse my language). Yes, Charlie. The eccentric kid who liked to freak out his mom. Not just once did he screw up. No, it wasn't enough that he let the mysterious man in, who could've been a serial killer by the way. Nooooo, he hid the man in his secret hideout so his father and mother would not find him. I know that he was only trying to be decent, but, in a world where this tradition (the Purge) exists, he should've been more careful. I know that it turned out well for them in the end because they were saved by the man (I can't remember his name, or if he ever mentioned it, too lazy to google). But they wouldn't have been involved in that mess in the first place if it weren't for that stupid kid. I constantly gritted my teeth while watching Charlie the whole time.
As for the daughter, just like most American families in movies, the teenage daughter acts all entitled and disrespects the parents. Meh, nothing new. I thought she was gonna get killed for sure, because who roams inside the house when the power's out??? Go to your parents' room or the control room for crying out loud. These children are so stupid. Also, when you sell security systems, why would you not install cameras INSIDE the house? Just why?? That could've made it easier to look for missing children/wanted people. And why don't you guys have a bunker, inside the house, for worst case scenarios? You obviously can afford it. I know these are all part of the movie to make it more exciting so don't hate on me. I know all of these. This is just one of the reasons why I rarely watch thriller/horror movies (besides being a scaredy-cat and having a hyper-imaginative mind). The people in the stories all do stupid things. Like they don't watch horror movies like any normal person.
Anyway, I'll still probably watch the other two movies that followed so let me know if you have other suggestions on what movies I should watch.
Thanks for reading my review!
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