THE PURGE (2013)

Written & Directed By: James DeMonaco 
Cinematography By: Jacques Jouffret 
Editor: Peter Gvozdas 

 Cast: Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Max Burkholder, Adelaide Kane, Edwin Hodge, Rhys Wakefield, Arija Bareikis, Chris Mulkey

In an America wracked by crime and overcrowded prisons, the government has sanctioned an annual 12-hour period in which any and all criminal activity-including murder-becomes legal. The police can't be called. Hospitals suspend help. It's one night when the citizenry regulates itself without thought of punishment. On this night plagued by violence and an epidemic of crime, one family wrestles with the decision of who they will become when a stranger comes knocking. When an intruder breaks into James Sandin's (Ethan Hawke) gated community during the yearly lockdown, he begins a sequence of events that threatens to tear a family apart. Now, it is up to James, his wife, Mary (Lena Headey), and their kids to make it through the night without turning into the monsters from whom they hide.

It's like social commentary that tries to impart some kind of message in between the acts of violence that the film more or less vindicated towards the end.

I was surprised at how fast Ethan Hawke's character who has no training with guns or history of violence who becomes a bad ass killing machine and his wife becomes a inept one which at least felt natural. That the filmmakers make part of her character, but I believe it as I inventive writing. Making the female Main character so weak and docile until she has to be tough emotionally but still physically supported by a male. It's not only Them throughout the film everyone who seems to b a first time weapon users are all quick studies and have great aim.

It feels like an extended violent episode of the twilight zone. Plenty of action, but surprisingly effective with a lot of suspense. A good portion of the movie is all about mood and tone luckily with nary a false scare.

The film has some twists and turns that you come to expect, bit others that truly so manage to surprise.

Though the film seems cliche with a nice spot for itself more then typical home invasion films like STRAW DOGS or people vs. intruders films like ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13.

After awhile violence becomes brutal, hard hitting and a bit senseless.

Ethan Hawke is becoming that middle aged Every man flirting with different roles. Seeing him in action mode ambit shocking.

There are a bunch of questions about cliches that this film brings up.

Why do the women in this i rarely use or carry guns. Most of the men do, but all of the women seem to use knives, axes and machetes?

If it is legal why he masks? Eventually even the leader sheds his. Is there a metaphor the film is seeking?

Do all homeless people in films not only this one always seem to have dog tags implying ex military. Subtle social commentary? The film world didn't realize they were saying that a lot of vets find it hard tout back in and stay on par with life especially after the government is through using them?

The film at times tries to note more than it can chew, though quickly realizes it's mistakes and goes back to it's perimeters.

Grade: C+