I watched ... THE PURGE

 If you lived in a world where any crime was legal for just one night, what would you do? Would you hole up in your home and try to stay safe until morning, or use it as a chance to release your carnal animal instincts? That's the premise of James DeMonaco's thriller The Purge (rated 15 in the UK), in which a family find themselves in serious danger when they let a stranger in need into their home.

The Lowdown

For those of you expecting a serious scare, you may be disappointed. In my opinion, the advert (and movie poster) sells a film that this, well, just isn't. It's full of suspense, tension and it's pretty violent, but it's not exactly scary. I am a huge wimp when it comes to films and I can say with some confidence this won't be keeping me awake at night. However, I can guarantee it will spark a lively debate between you and your friends after watching, it gives you a lot to think about. I personally like these kind of films but if you want a slasher horror flick, it's not likely to deliver. 

Considering twists are one of the most important aspects of a good thriller, I found this film a tad predictable. Having said that, it has quite a few small twists throughout which I think keeps the audience on their toes.  I thought the actors were all rather good, I didn't spy a wooden one amongst them, which can really ruin a good film (looking at you, Mr Radcliffe). My favourite character was the 'Polite Stranger', played by Rhys Wakefield. He was without a doubt the best of the bunch. Is it strange I found him weirdly attractive? Must have been the charm.

The Bottom Line

The Purge is worth a watch if you want a thriller that's more tense and interesting than scary. You might guess the twists before they happen, but it doesn't really take anything away from the story. I found it a bit unsatisfying as nothing was able to surprise me, but that's not to say everyone will see what's coming.   Although I enjoyed it, I can't say that it completely lived up to my expectations. Even so, I'd recommend it for a late night cinema trip, it's a pretty good film and makes for an thoughtful discussion on the drive home.

Rating

★★★★★