Being a film buff, I try to read the current reviews. A new film is getting lots of buzz: it is about a sequel to an earlier film. The original was The Purge, which came out in 2013. The new one is The Purge: Anarchy.
Funny thing. I started reading the review and had to stop, because they were giving away the entire plot! Oh dear! As you know, movie fans, I NEVER give away plot details. Today's discussion will adhere to my strict NO SPOILER ethic.
Another funny thing: Turns out I saw the original not long ago on late night TV. OK, I admit it: I watched a futuristic thriller with a far-fetched premise. But hey, I'm a sucker for the old Twilight Zones and I love many of the sci-fi themes.
The basic story: Since mankind is by nature violent, folks need to "purge" their need for blood. So, once a year, the law allows everyone to kill for just one day. In other words, people can legally murder others to get the innate violence out of their system. The result? For 24 hours, you had better stay inside your home!
That is exactly what a couple, played by Ethan Hawke and Lena Heady, do. They reinforce their house in steel, lock the doors, keep their kids nearby, and watch the mayhem unfold on TV. What a great way to spend a day! Haha!
The actors: Ethan is always brilliant. In real life he was married to Uma Thurman. He was excellent as the wandering romantic in Before Midnight and even better as a cop in Brooklyn's Finest. Lena Heady was wonderful in the TV version of The Terminator.
Well, no spoiler, as I said, so I won't say much more. But suffice it say that the baddies come knockin' on the door and try their best to penetrate the fortress the couple has built. Will the couple survive? The kids too? And what do you do when some poor victim is being chased by the blood-thirsty hoard and knocks at your door?
Oh my, what great entertainment! Of course you need to be a bit of a sci-fi nut, like me, to enjoy this kind of fare. My favorite sci-fi themes are those that make us think. Sure, the film is out there. But is mankind by nature that violent? Is a "purge" needed?
Try to catch the original on Netflix. Then, await the new film with a-bated breath, as I am.
FUN!
