The Film
Ethan Hawke has had some pretty steady work since 1985's Explorers. However, he's never really become a big box-office draw. Now, 2001's Training Day doesn't count. Um, Denzel Washington was in it, people! That said, Hawke's work in the horror genre has scared up some pretty decent numbers.
That's probably why just one year after Sinister, Hawke has added The Purge to his resume. Now, The Purge isn't your typical horror flick with ghosts, the supernatual or even trolls. Instead, it preys upon your fears of normal, everyday people. Well, at least the ones that hold a murderous grudge because you can't remember to return the lawnmower or decide to build a mega-mansion right next to their mini-mansion.
That's pretty much the premise here. Well it's a slightly larger premise, albeit not an original one. Basically, if you think the world is going to hell in a handbasket now, just wait until 2022. The world has gone crazy -- like crazy violent. Well, at least one day a year it is. That day is known as The Purge, and it allows all of the good people of the world to get their inner bat-shit crazy on for 12 hours and rape, kill, loot and pillage, however they see fit. And when that mayhem goes down, you'd better have a good hiding place.
That's where James Sandin (Hawke) comes in. He's in the security business, so he's raking it in, especially right before The Purge. He's also built quite the fortress for his family. However, all of his planning and building backfires when son Charlie (Parenthood's Max Burkholder) lets in a hunted stranger (Edwin Hodge). Now, the stranger isn't being hunted by a bunch of lowlifes. Well, that sort of depends on how you look at lowlifes. This motley crew is a bunch of one-percenters looking to get their jollies by "purging" (or "killing," in Purge-speak) a poor homeless guy. If the Purgers don't get their prey, the Sandins will apparently do.
Think you can get past the crazy idea (it is, right?) that The Purge is an annual event that's sanctioned by the U.S. government? Jesus, I hope so. If not, this isn't the movie for you. It's actually a pretty killer (no pun intended) premise, but that and the movie's political messages get sort of muddled in all of the mayhem. Of course, The Purge isn't first movie to take the "hey, killing is legal!" idea and run with it. It's certainly not the best one, either. At least at 86 minutes, it knows not to overstay its welcome.
Want to see something really creepy? Check out Lora Grady's theatrical review of The Purge.
The Picture
If you're willing to watch this movie without your hands over your eyes, you'll be treated to some decent imagery. Just don't expect The Purge to be bright in any sense of the word. The film is dark in tone and image. However, the 2.40:1 transfer does offer up some sharp detail, even in its blackest, most shaky-cam moments. Also worth noting is that the close-up shots have some excellent facial details.
The Sound
Universal has given The Purge a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Dialogue is always clear and the track does have a few tense moments that will fill the surrounds and make you jump. However, for a movie that's about the 12 hours a year when all hell breaks loose, I wanted more creaks, heavy breathing and other creepy noises lurking in the surrounds. Unfortunately, it's just not a very immersive experience.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
There's a really creepy movie somewhere within The Purge. There's also some sort of message about doing away with the poor and maybe some of the rich, as well as how everyone has an inner-criminal inside of them -- or something like that. It all gets washed away pretty quickly amidst the killing spree. Instead, director James DeMonaco goes for the thrills and kills, because that's what puts butts (and a few fingernails) into seats. That said, the most appalling thing about this release is probably the lack of extras. Considering that there's a Purge sequel ("Purge Again!") in the works, you'd think someone would have something to say. That said, if you're looking for a bit of pre-Halloween jitters, you could probably do worse than The Purge, but why should you?
Product Details
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