Written by: James DeMonaco
Directed by: James DeMonaco
Starring: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson, Joseph Julian Soria, Betty Gabriel, Earl Danzinger, Kyle Secor, and Edwin Hodge
Directed by: James DeMonaco
Starring: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson, Joseph Julian Soria, Betty Gabriel, Earl Danzinger, Kyle Secor, and Edwin Hodge
Two years after the events of The Purge: Anarchy, Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) is now head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), as she campaigns to be the next president of the United States. Having survived a Purge night as a teen, and knowing first hand of it’s horror, Senator Roan is running on the promise that if she gets elected president, she will put an end to the purge once and for all. And her voice is being heard, her message resonating with many would be voters, she’s gaining momentum and support on the daily. Her becoming the next president of the United States and changing the status quo looks like it could potentially be a reality. This does not sit well with the N.F.F.A., The New Founding Fathers of America, those that took over the government and created the annual purge, as a way to control both crime and population through murder.

Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how it’s stated, but you get the gist. Needles to say, this comes as a big shock to Senator Roan. As for Leo Barnes, the realization of what the announcement means for the protection and safety of the Senator, all but assures him it’s going to be a very long and interesting night, to say the least.

As the third entry in the series The Purge: Election Year manages to keep things fresh. The concept of an election year and a candidate hoping to put an end to the most deadly night of the year, and taking the powers that be that created it out of power for good, is quite refreshing. And takes the whole idea to a whole other level, as that would be savior for many becomes the prime target for those whose power and position is being threatened. And with the whole night ahead of them, pull no punches in trying to take her out of the political picture.
Another concept that I found rather intriguing was that of murder tourism. That is, in the world of the Purge, being an American event, people from around the globe travel to the states to participate in the slaughter of their fellow men and women. To release some stress from their lives through acts of violence where it’s perfectly legal for one night. This idea may be the most grotesque and disturbing of all, being that as a viewer you could totally imagine such a thing would really attract madness from around the globe if a thing like the Purge really did exist.


Frank Grillo kicks major ass and is a bonafide action star. Reprising his role as Leo Barnes, Grillo brings a seriousness, take no shit attitude, one that’s needed in the world of the Purge to combat would be assassins at every turn.

The Purge: Election Year is for those who loved the previous films. By this time anyone who is a fan knows what these movies are all about. This is a fun, leave your problems at the door and watch these people get all kinds of messed up, popcorn movie. Loaded with action, awesome visuals, and a story that keeps you enthralled.
Can Leo Barnes keep Senator Roan alive during the most deadly night of the year? Do the powers that be of the ruling N.F.F.A. prevail in their efforts to eliminate the Senator? Does the demented schoolgirl get her candy bar? The answers to these questions and others will all be revealed if you so choose to get your Purge on. Check it out and hold on tight.
-M5150