First Trailer for THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR

"Just remember all the good the purge does." This trailer reminds us of that sentiment as it comes to a close and in much the same way reminds us how necessary these films are for the sake of horror franchises at the moment. Writer/director James DeMonaco has been at the helm of this surprise saga since the beginning and while the concept has always been prime and the possibilities ripe for large social commentary it has felt like a turtle race to get to the point of actually realizing that potential. That said, I did like the second film much more than the first and can understand where, when taken as a trilogy of films, how that first contained story might seem necessary to understand the full impact of what this annual "purge night" does not only in the larger sense of things, but on the smallest of scales. While DeMonaco took a year off last year it seems that was purely intentional as he and Universal clearly had the idea of capitalizing on this years election by choosing that as their subtitle for this third installment. Growing in scale even more, this third Purge movie takes on the shifting ideals not only of the poor who are the ones largely being murdered during this evening of crime forgiveness, but of those with potential political power. Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost) stars as Senator Roan, one of the few politicians who wants to end the purge. Frank Grillo is also returning after his stint in the second film gave way to a revelation that has led him to take the necessary action to head up Roan's security presence as she begins her campaign for President. All in all, while neither of the previous films have left much of an impression there is slight anticipation here as it is clear DeMonaco is ambitious in expanding this universe. The Purge: Election Year also stars Mykelti Williamson, Raymond J. Barry, Ethan Phillips, Terry Serpico, David Aaron Baker, Edwin Hodge, and opens on July 1st, 2016.



Synopsis: Expanding the universe introduced in the hit franchise that electrified the culture and earned $200 million at the worldwide box office, Universal Pictures’ The Purge: Election Year reveals the next terrifying chapter that occurs over 12 hours of annual lawlessness sanctioned by the New Founders of America to keep this country great. 

It’s been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night. Now serving as head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), his mission is to protect her in a run for president and survive the annual ritual that targets the poor and innocent. But when a betrayal forces them onto the streets of D.C. on the one night when no help is available, they must stay alive until dawn…or both be sacrificed for their sins against the state. 

Once again returning to collaborate with franchise creator James DeMonaco on The Purge: Election Year are the series’ producers: Blumhouse Productions’ Jason Blum (Insidious and Ouija series, The Visit), Platinum Dunes partners Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ouija series, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), and writer/director DeMonaco’s longtime production partner, Sébastien K. Lemercier (Assault on Precinct 13, Four Lovers).