Interesting Premise

Rating: 8/10 (7 June 2013)

I saw "The Purge", starring Ethan Hawke-Sinister, Training Day; Lena Headey-Game of Thrones-t.v., 300; Rhys Wakefield-Sanctum, Broken Hill and Edwin Hodge-Red Dawn-2012, Die Hard: With a Vengeance.
This movie has an interesting premise. It takes place in the not-too-distant future of 2022, where crime rates are down, poverty levels are down, and the economy is on the rise. And, it's all due to the government's newly instated annual Purge. Every year at 7:00 p.m. on June 21st until 7:00 a.m. on June 22nd-for 12 hours-any and all crime is legalized,with a few exceptions. During this time period, anyone can commit any crime, without any interference from police or medical personnel. The Purge, at least according to this movie, helps people release their pent-up anger and resentment that has been festering all year long-one person is overheard saying, 'I can't wait to kill my boss, he deserves it!' Of course, if you do not want to participate, you can stay indoors until it's over. Ethan plays just such a person, and it might be because he sells home protection services for a living. You know, with steel doors and windows that come down to lock up your house. Lena plays his wife. Everything is set for their annual Purge; the house is locked down, when Edwin shows up at their doorsteps being chased by a Purge hungry group led by Rhys. After Edwin gains access to the house, Rhys demands he be returned to them so they can Purge all over Edwin. The problem is should the Cleaver family give up a total stranger to be killed, just to prevent the Purge hungry clan from attacking them? As I said earlier, it's an interesting premise. It's rated "R" for the violence and language and has a running time of 1 hour & 25 minutes. I enjoyed it and I would buy it on Blu-Ray.