MURDER AND MAYHEM
at all costs is her head of security Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) who also finds himself in danger when they are thrown onto the streets of Washington DC during Purge Night after being betrayed by his own staff.
The Senator and Leo find help in deli owner Joe Dixon (Mykelti Williamson), his Mexican immigrant worker Marcos (Joseph Julian Soria), and his long-time friend Laney Rucker (Betty Gabriel).
Reformed gang member Laney, on the other hand, go around in her van offering medical help to victims. Upon meeting Leo and the Senator, the three make it their mission to save the latter no matter what, hoping she will be able to fulfil her promise to have The Purge abolished.
This time around as well, some Russian tourists have flown to America just to be part of The Purge. But more
worrying is how the government is accused of using The Purge for their economic agenda, to eliminate those who are a welfare-andhealthcare burden on the economy.
Again, it is sickening to see how the rich, led by Roan’s Presidential opponent Minister Edwidge Owens (Kyle Secor) take pleasure in killing the poor. They even claim God encourages them to “cleanse and purge”.
Just like in its predecessors,
doesn’t show the aftermath of the annual ritual.
Again, humanity is questioned in
as are issues of racism, class and economic disparities. Roan and Owens’ election campaigns will remind you of the political situations in the US right now.
Meanwhile, viewers can marvel at the techniques used for the kills. Director James DeMonaco, who made all three
films, certainly has the creativity when it comes to this.
The masks that the purgers wear are also inventive. There are different ones in all three
films. The music score
is impressive as well.
I enjoyed watching Gabriel play the tough-as-nails Laney. She showcases such admirable strength that she makes a great heroine.
Mitchell also plays her part well as a politician. Roan has the conviction, and emotional and moral strength that someone needs in order to lead a nation.
Unfortunately, the action was marred at times when some scenes involving rather violent acts were censored.
How are we expected to understand what happened if these scenes are omitted, especially when they are vital to the plot?
The film has a sprinkling of obscene dialogue which is also censored, so it makes watching the film annoying. The film is rated 18 after all. Why is the need for censorship?
Nevertheless is enjoyable, thanks to its strong plot and memorable characters.
For those who follow the franchise, don’t give this a miss because it got better.
bibiramli@nst.com.my