‘The Purge: Anarchy’ Review: Frank Grillo shines in sequel offering little for fans
The follow-up to a overhyped home invasion original, The Purge: Anarchy expands are an idiotic idea with good characters to leave the audience asking ‘What would you do?’ or ‘How long would you last/’
Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) is the only real winner in this film as a mysterious vigilante who sidetracks his personal agenda to protect a waitress, her teen daughter and bickering married couple during the government sponsored Purge of society.
The premise is that violent crime can be curtailed by allowing a 12-hour free-for-all where murder seems to be the crime of choice. Anarchy, written and directed by James DeMonaco, attempts to be John Carpenter style film with Grillo as a Kurt Russell leader of the “good guys.”
It would seem like a better concept set further in the future with a Running Man spin on “purging criminals” instead of just turning the criminals loose.
While the film isn’t nearly as graphic or full of violence as advertised and the attempt at social examination doesn’t hit the target with the only notable exception to be the symbollic “Purging” of the poor.
The Purge may be the new Saw or Paranormal Activity franchise, but there is little to offer fans. Anarchy contrasts the orignal as the creator can’t decide if they are making a horror film or a thriller.
The cast is adequate: Carmen Ejogo, Zoe Soul, Zach Gilford, John Beasley, Michael K Williams and Kiele Sanchez, but Grillo’s Leo is the only thing worth really watching. He indeed proves to be a potential big Hollywood action star and a perfect anti-hero for future projects. Marvel fans will be calling or more Grillo in Captain America 3.
The Purge: Anarchy reviews 2 out of 5 stars
