Bloodlust in America

Rating: 7/10 (12 June 2013)

It is no secret that humans are prone to violence. "The Purge" takes place in the United States, a country founded upon violence through the Revolution, savage dealings with Native Americans and Africans, and incessant involvement in wars throughout the world. Though the film itself remains relatively simple, it does touch upon not only humankind's thirst for blood, but on additional societal issues such as socioeconomic status, crime, and governmental control.
The film focuses upon the traditional cinematic nuclear family: a father who has just earned the spot as top salesman at his place of employment, a mother home cooking for her family while drinking wine, the teenage daughter messing around with her boyfriend (of whom dad does not approve), and the unusual younger sibling, a son playing with his remote controlled vehicle with a camera hidden inside of a half-melted doll. Okay, so the introduction to the son is a little strange, but the impression of that of a typical family unit.
The new founding fathers of America (in the year 2022) have created an event known as "The Purge" which has, according to the film, saved the country. During the purge, all crime is legal for a period of 12 hours. This allows mankind to "purge" the hatred, anger, and violence from their souls and contain these natural instincts to this 12 hour period alone. The reports indicate that, thanks to the purge, unemployment and crime now stand at record lows in the United States. However, the film suggests that this is because many Americans "Purge" by killing those too poor to afford the security systems sold by the aforementioned father played by Ethan Hawke. As we discover, these security systems, much like those available now, are simply a false sense of security and can be penetrated if the assailants so desire.
Compared to other films currently in theaters, "The Purge" presents a fairly original plot. Humans are inherently violent and man killing man happens every day. Therefore, why not attempt to regulate and contain this violence? Ultimately, however, the film falls into predictable patterns of main characters separating and aimlessly wandering in the dark with violent intruders abound. Furthermore, these intruders are reminiscent of those in the film "The Strangers" though not nearly as frightening. Also, with all crime legal for 12 hours, the only crime displayed by the film is that of murder, often via the use of firearms. One would think that robbery, rape, drug trafficking, and a myriad of other illegal activities would garner as much interest and attention as violence. Regardless of some predictability, simplicity, and familiarity, The Purge was still more entertaining the majority of the mindless special effects-laden nonsense churned out by Hollywood's backside. Are you ready for The Purge? See the film and enjoy the discussions that ensue.