THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR (2016)

James DeMonaco directed and wrote this film which is the third in THE PURGE series, which is a type of science fiction, social action, horror thriller that imagines a society where for one night a year no crime is against the law, including murder. In this third installation, there is a growing movement to abolish the practice, since the toll taken on society is devastating, with the poor and disenfranchised paying the dearest price. Lead by presidential candidate, Senator Charlie Roan, her life is placed in severe danger by the New Founding Fathers of America, who want to maintain the status quo and when her poll numbers start to climb, eliminate her on Purge night. This film essentially keeps repeating its basic plot over and over again and one can’t help but wonder what could have possibly brought society to the point of sanctioning such a barbaric law. However well acted by a cast of talented actors (all of whom I’m sure would have passed on this if something better had come along) included returning character Leo Barnes played by Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson, Joseph Julian Soria, Betty Gabriel, Kyle Secor and William J. Barry. This is essentially B moviemaking but with a bit of social justice thrown in to spice up the mix and provide some food for thought. However it’s not really enough for me to recommend.