The Purge: Election Year
Blu-ray Combo Pack | DVD | Digital HD
Director: James DeMonaco
Writer: James DeMonaco
Cast: Elizabeth Mitchell, Frank Grillo, Mykelti Williamson, Terry Serpico, Betty Gabriel, Joseph Julian Soria, Kyle Secor
Studio: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 4, 2016

The Purge: Election Year is the third installment in four years for the Purge franchise and in my opinion is the best so far. Where the first one was a home invasion movie, and the second was a stilted revenge movie, the third entry is all political thriller dripping with socio-economic commentary. Again written and directed by James DeMonaco, The Purge: Election Year focuses on Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell) who promises, if elected, to end the yearly night of guiltless violence and murder. This obviously makes her a target for the corrupt “new” founding fathers who want to preserve their political and economic dominance.

Returning for part three is Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo), the anti-hero/hero of The Purge: Anarchy. He was a vengeance-seeking Purge participant when part two began, but now he’s back to his old job, working security detail for the Senator. Of course right when Purge night begins, Roan’s house is attacked and she and Leo are forced to venture out into the abyss where Purge activities are commencing as usual. The Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack comes loaded with special features including 8 minutes of deleted scenes, including an extended Purge night montage.

The Purge: Election Year
Director: James DeMonaco
Screenwriter: James DeMonaco
Cast: Elizabeth Mitchell, Frank Grillo, Mykelti Williamson, Terry Serpico, Betty Gabriel, Joseph Julian Soria, Kyle Secor
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Rated R | 103 Minutes
Release Date: July 1, 2016

The focal point of The Purge franchise has been to address the seriousness of the gap between the two social classes of the rich and the poor. It’s a reflection of sorts that has terrifying results in which a newly rebooted government has established during an annual event there will be 12 hours during which any crime committed will not be punished. Though this day known as The Purge has brought crime down, it has disenfranchised those who could afford insurance coverage from looting and property damage, and protection from those who take advantage of being able to kill without consequences. So even though blood is constantly being spilled throughout the films, there is a very serious social issue that director James DeMonaco is trying to get across to the audience. While he may have successfully gotten that message to audiences in The Purge and The Purge: Anarchy, The Purge: Election Year doesn’t quite fall flat, but it doesn’t take full advantage of the timely politically charged election campaign themes, nor does it make use of misappropriating religion.