The Best and Most Relevant ‘Purge’ Sequel Is Coming to Max

As a movie enthusiast who has witnessed more than a few political circuses unfold in my lifetime, I must say that “The Purge: Election Year” is a unique and chilling take on the dark side of democracy. This film, released back in 2016, seems to have had uncanny foresight when it comes to the real-life political landscape, with its tagline eerily echoing Donald Trump’s campaign slogan for his re-election bid.

Occasionally, it’s challenging to immerse oneself in films that delve into real-world situations because reality can be remarkably more extraordinary than fiction. This year, we experienced one of the most polarizing elections ever, with Donald Trump triumphing over Vice President Kamala Harris to secure another term as U.S. President. The situation was highly contentious and stirred a great deal of controversy. So, in light of these events, there’s no better way to distance oneself from the drama than by revisiting 2016’s The Purge: Election Year. This horror film, much like the entire series, addresses current events in an innovative manner, with the third installment doing it most effectively. As such, this could be a great time for a rewatch, and fortunately, streaming services make it incredibly convenient to do so!

2025 will see the beginning of “The Purge: Election Year” on Max, according to ComicBook.com. The reason this movie in the series feels particularly relevant is that its tagline, “Keep America Great,” garnered significant attention when President Trump used a similar slogan for his 2020 re-election campaign. Observant film enthusiasts were quick to draw parallels between this film and Trump’s re-election efforts, suggesting it may have served as inspiration.

In the realm of dystopian horror cinema, I find myself captivated by “The Purge: Election Year,” penned and helmed by James DeMonaco. This film marks the third chapter in the gripping “Purge” saga. As a fan, I’m particularly drawn to a character named Senator Charlene “Charlie” Roan, portrayed by Elizabeth Mitchell. She’s an ambitious U.S. Senator with presidential aspirations who stands firmly against the Purge. Her unwavering commitment to abolish this annual night of lawlessness makes her a marked woman during this dark event. Alongside Frank Grillo, who plays former LAPD Sergeant Leo Barnes, and other talented actors like Mykelti Wiliamson, Joseph Julian Soria, Betty Gabriel, Terry Serpico, and Edwin Hodge, this film promises to be an exhilarating journey into a chilling future.

The Purge: Election Year Received Mixed Reviews Upon Release

The film “The Purge: Election Year” got a mix of positive and negative responses from critics, with a rating of 55% on Rotten Tomatoes – just slightly lower than the 59% score of the second movie. Critics found it to be quite effective despite its lack of subtlety, combining shocking moments and relevant themes. On opening day, audiences gave it a “B+” grade from CinemaScore, which is impressive for a horror film. However, its audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes dropped to 48%, suggesting that opinions have become more divided since its release in 2016.

From a film enthusiast’s perspective, I can confidently say that “The Purge: Election Year” was nothing short of a blockbuster triumph. It raked in an impressive $79.2 million domestically and an additional $118.6 million internationally, all on a budget of just $10 million. This stunning success resonated deeply with the production houses, namely Blumhouse Productions, Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes, and Universal Pictures, as it translated to a substantial net profit of $44.8 million. Interestingly, this financial success surpassed its predecessor, “The Purge: Anarchy” (2014), which managed to gross $72 million domestically and $111.9 million globally on a more modest budget of $9 million.

As a die-hard movie fan, I’ve got to say that the second installment of the franchise remains my top pick, but “The Purge: Election Year” gives it a run for its money. The introduction of Grillo in “Anarchy” was a game-changer for the series, and it was thrilling to see his character develop further in the subsequent film. If there’s ever a chance to bring him back for another movie, especially if the storyline is compelling, I firmly believe that would be a smart move.

The Purge: Election Year hits Max on Jan. 1.

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2024-12-25 21:31