Read Mixed User Reviews for The First Purge

4

JLuis_001Jul 22, 2018

All the films in this franchise have been regular and bad, accept it, face it, don't deny it to me, but there is something I must admit. The first film did had in some way an interesting message. A message that was inevitably lost in theAll the films in this franchise have been regular and bad, accept it, face it, don't deny it to me, but there is something I must admit. The first film did had in some way an interesting message. A message that was inevitably lost in the mismanagement of the plot and the story and the need to carry everything with violence but it's understandable because after all, the plot of the film dealt precisely with violence but it's not necessary for your story to become just that.

The sequels, both the second and the third became something else, changed the scenario and became full-frontal action films and once again we cannot deny that the theme of the stories lent itself precisely for that, but evidently as I just say recently, in action films what becomes predictable also becomes boring and both films were boring, yes they did have action, you could call it entertainment somehow but how long can that last?

This prequel doesn't change anything and in fact it's practically irrelevant that it is a prequel. It's true it offers the origin of the purge but was it necessary? no, it wasn't.
It doesn't let you see anything that was essential or indispensable to understand the other films, therefore it's more of the same, with the same quality and as irrelevant and inconsequential as you can probably imagine.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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4

NightReviewsOct 30, 2018

“Think of all the good the purge does.”

In 2013, the world was introduced to a small little independent horror film called The Purge. The basis of the film revolves around the idea that, for a twelve hour period, one day out of the year in“Think of all the good the purge does.”

In 2013, the world was introduced to a small little independent horror film called The Purge. The basis of the film revolves around the idea that, for a twelve hour period, one day out of the year in the United States, citizens, residents and all Americans are able to do whatever it is that they like, without any punishment or laws, including and not limited to; violence, vandalism, theft, rape and of course murder. While the first purge film in the series was revolutionary and kick started a franchise that is now in its fourth entry, the first film unfortunately limited itself to being, quite simply, a thrasher home invasion film with the world of the purge harrowingly surrounding it; the potential for the series was behemoth. Thankfully, the film gained steam and momentum, and more films followed, with the original director and writers on board. With the second entry, the world of the purge was explored to the streets of Los Angeles, where motives of revenge and redemption were explored and showed how regular people handled the deadliest night in America. In The Purge: Election Year, the purge got more political (not that it never was), especially since the looming potential of a somewhat clueless President was on the verge of being elected (he didn’t actually win, did he?).

Politics and tongue-in-cheek social/economically charge commentary is something that the purge series isn’t stranger to, especially within the last two entires in the series. But like any good planned B-Movie film series, the fourth entry in the series is also, technically speaking, the first movie in the series, a prequel. The First Purge is an interesting cinematic approach in terms of shock value, only because, the build up of whether the purge is a successful experiment is answered within minutes of the first film, so what is the point of this film?

Writer and original director of the first three entries, James DeMonaco, who’s love child is basically this series, decides to use the first purge film to show the divide between people and their thoughts on this “experiment”. Sanctioned by the New Founding Fathers of America, the newest political party, who is coincidentally backed any the NRA (National Rifle Association), and developed by scientist Dr.Updale (Marisa Tomei), “the experiment” (the initial name for the purge) was only taking place on Staten Island, one of America’s lowest income and poorly populated cities (coincidence). If you stay on the island, you get paid $5,000. If you participate in the experiment, you get monetary compensation; if you kill someone, well then you get compensated generously. These are all incentives for the residents of Staten Island.

While we quickly become familiar with the main inhabitants of Staten Island, we are also introduced to all the family drama happening on the island as well, for instance, the main protestor and the purge’s biggest rival is the educated and powerfully independent Nya (Lex Scott Davis), whose ex boyfriend Dimitri (Y’lan Noel) is Staten Island biggest gangster, and who’s brother Isaiah (Jovian Wade) is secretly joining in the purge’s festivities, to get back at a local crack addict for nearly cutting open is throat. While the streets belong to Dimitri, his heart still belongs to Nya, despite their past and current relationship woes.

As the experiment commences, we quickly see that many of the people involved and brave enough to withstand staying, spend most of their time praying, socializing or partying on the island. With the exception of the freaky looking crack head Skeletor (Rotimi Paul), who fashioned himself his own Freddy Kruger inspired claws made out of needles, Staten Island and its residents aren’t really purging as expected, unless you consider trap-music inspired street festivals as purging. So, like any good social/political experiment gone wrong in the United States, the government intervenes and sends out their own “citizens”, ex-mercenaries to kill and rid of low-income residents on Staten Island and cleanse the American genome. You can imagine, Dimitri, the only resident on Staten Island who profits from other people’s misery, isn’t happy when the government decides to take out his clientele, so, like any good business owner, who goes out himself to rid of his corporate competition.

There are many things wrong with the First Purge including the film’s main antagonist and protagonists. Perhaps thats the point, I mean, even the woman who developed the purge has her own scene of redmeption, but then again, how is a person redeemed of concieving such a diabolical experiment, especially when she sells it to the most corrupt clients in the world, the American government?… Expand

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4

JNOTRJul 27, 2018

Loose film with a plot that gave for a better content. The second and third seemed good movies, this is regular. Returns to have the same plot as the previous, forgettable characters and things are explained that did not need a backgroundLoose film with a plot that gave for a better content. The second and third seemed good movies, this is regular. Returns to have the same plot as the previous, forgettable characters and things are explained that did not need a background before. Loose performances, very ridiculous moments (drones that shoot) and in the last act happens to be a movie of genre of action in the style of The Rock. I think he has a good start and there are scenes with a very well achieved suspense, but then he totally deviates and loses everything he was doing well. Marissa Tomei wasted. Movie to watch on TV on a Sunday night.… Expand

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4

Rebecca31Jul 8, 2018

It's purging season everyone. You've seen the Purge, you've seen the Purge two, you probably haven't seen the Purge three but now it's prequel time so buckle up for the very first Purge. Directed by Gerard McMurray and written by JohnIt's purging season everyone. You've seen the Purge, you've seen the Purge two, you probably haven't seen the Purge three but now it's prequel time so buckle up for the very first Purge. Directed by Gerard McMurray and written by John DeMonaco, the same guy who wrote all the other purge movies. Also starring a bunch of actors who I'm not bothering to name, it's a purge movie, do you really care who's in it? Crazy, masked, knife wielding psychopaths, innocent victims and the evil corporate suits, yep it's a purge movie alright.

The controversial experiment created by the new founding fathers of America (NFFA) is ready for a trial run in Staten Island. The experiment promises to reduce crime to below 1% for the rest of the year as long as people can release all their anger and rage in one night. Staying on the island for the purge is optional yet the majority simply couldn't afford to leave. On top of that, those who do stay are offered payment and others are strongly encouraged to participate with the promise of even more financial rewards depending on how much they participate. Very much taking advantage of the oppressed and marginalized. Participants must also wear tracking chips and high tech contacts for recording the first purge. They also make the wearer look like zombies, which adds to the horror theme, so bonus. Yet much to the disappointment of the NFFA the purge doesn't have the high level of participation expected at first. But when a whole group of new gangs show up and quickly escalate the purge it becomes apparent that this is more than just a sociological experiment.

Gives everything you expect from a purge movie, extreme violence, violence while wearing masks and an unnecessary amount of jump scares. Although I think most of them came from the same person. One dimensional characters in a mediocre film. When it finally gets going it's entertaining in the moment but very forgettable afterwards. I would say this should put an end to the purge franchise but if there's one thing these low budget horror movies can do successfully it's make a lot of money. Recommended for fans of the purge franchise.… Expand

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6

LamontRaymondJul 5, 2018

I'd say the Metascore is just about right for this one, though I probably liked it more than most of the critics. The gang leader is excellent, and his ex-girlfriend is really good. I enjoyed the supporting cast of OGs. The weak point ofI'd say the Metascore is just about right for this one, though I probably liked it more than most of the critics. The gang leader is excellent, and his ex-girlfriend is really good. I enjoyed the supporting cast of OGs. The weak point of the story and the series is the band of nameless, faceless white dudes that are mostly all masked. Sometimes tough to figure whether they represent some Charlottesville-like white supremacists or a generalized menacing group. Bottom line - exploitation flick that's fun to sit through.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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4

GrantD243Jul 6, 2018

I very much like the Purge franchise on a conceptual level. I think that the idea of the Purge offers up a very interesting premise that could be turned into some great movies. Unfortunately, though, the Purge movies (outside of the firstI very much like the Purge franchise on a conceptual level. I think that the idea of the Purge offers up a very interesting premise that could be turned into some great movies. Unfortunately, though, the Purge movies (outside of the first installment) have not been all that great. They've been decent flicks to watch if you're bored one afternoon or just want to eat some popcorn and watch people die, but that's about it. The story of this one follows the cast of characters on the night of the first Purge. Given this, I figured that the beginning of the movie would give us a somewhat detailed look at how the decision to have the Purge came about. We are kind of given that, I guess. We get an incredibly cringey interview at the beginning between a doctor and a potential Purge participator that basically gives us the origin of the name, and the rationale behind the decision to have it is explained as well. But after those little tidbits, the film dives straight into setting up the characters. I like a lot of the elements of The First Purge's story: how the New Founding Fathers' motivations factor into the experiment, how the people on the island initially act when the Purge starts, and how the Government gets involved later on. It did what a prequel should: add more to the movies that come after it in the timeline. However, this film tries to be so, so timely with its social commentary, and it gets to be a bit much at times. And that heavy handedness really brought down my enjoyment of the film more than I expected. Also, outside of the Government being a bit more involved this time around, The First Purge turns into just another Purge movie around the halfway point. There's some nice action, and some death, but otherwise it's nothing new. The concept here was good, the execution...not so much.

Characters: Dmitri (Y'lan Noel) is not only the best character in this film, but he's really the only character worth anything. He's the only one with any real depth, and it also helps that the actor portraying him has some real chops. All of the other main characters are completely two dimensional and are not particularly likable, either. I also have to say that I guess Blumhouse wanted to have as many crazy Purgers as possible in this film, but they are so over the top that they come off as people pretending to be crazy. One of the main "crazy" Purgers, Skeletor, is laughably bad. Without Dmitri, this cast would have been extremely weak. And, to top things off, Dmitri is a drug dealer...and he was the most likable character in the film despite not changing much by the end. That's something. Script: The writing for most of this film is horrendous. Extremely cheesy dialogue, but that's nothing new for the Purge franchise. Cinematography/Effects: Blumhouse is known for making decent looking movies on a super low budget, but I think that The First Purge may be their first film in a while that actually shows its low budget quite a bit. The sound effects are often recycled and sound like they came from a cheap sound pack, and some of the visual effects are downright terrible. If you see the film, watch for the blood effects in the scene that involves smoke grenades. It's not good. Cinematography wise, there's nothing special here, but it's decent. Overall: I was entertained by the action and most of the story of The First Purge, and I liked the character of Dmitri, but outside of those things this film is barely passable as a popcorn flick, even by my relatively low standards for Blumhouse movies.… Expand

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6

DufreshestJul 5, 2018

The First Purge: An Elephant On the Table

Cinematography: 5.932/10 It's simple though not compelling. The acting and story are the films strong points. Costume Design: 6.821/10 There's no way to avoid the significance of the outfitsThe First Purge: An Elephant On the Table

Cinematography: 5.932/10 It's simple though not compelling. The acting and story are the films strong points.

Costume Design: 6.821/10 There's no way to avoid the significance of the outfits parading the streets. There's a balance between the Carnivalesque and die-hard Purgers. Yet, what I find more important than the actual costume designs is from where these outfits arrive from and for which purpose each serves.

Film Editing: 6.312/10 Decent. The scenes are set up for its punches; the moments that draw the audience more into the story are set well and make for a more interesting project. Still - not every scene looks pretty and flows well though the acting and story helps elevate the film substantially.

Make-up and Hair-styling: 4.901/10 Some of the people in the actual fights look to be in better condition than the bystanders.

Sound Editing: 7.321/10 The beats with lyrical assistance are set well and engages the audience. Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be much else going on.

Visual Effects: 4.121/10 Seemingly forgotten. A snarky stab at technology.

Story: 8.297/10 The First Purge is mainly compelling due to it's strategically set story, acting - and its punches (check Film Editing). The story presses against drugs and violence within impoverished communities by imbibing them within its core developments. Yet - the story greatly emphasizes seemingly debilitating circumstances are not of the low-income communities themselves but processes of the government which the government has to fix in tandem with communities suffering the effects of government processes the most. I think the actual story has a lot of strong points (more in Personal).

Acting: 7.972/10 The acting elevates and fits the film. Dolores, Mugga, is hilarious: her role is set just right for the film. She's the only character that makes sense looking unscathed throughout the film. The sincerity of the acting is present which gives the film a necessary boost.

Personal: I feel as though the film attempts to reveal covert organizations within America that affect communities of diverse demographics as well as low-income communities. The lack of specificity concerning organizations throughout the film leaves one to speculate them as mercenaries or members wearing attire blatantly representing particular groups in America. Beyond the film reminding me of The Greenwood Encyclopedia of American Institutions: Fraternal organizations by Alvin J. Schmidt, The First Purge sets a firm stance against illegal activities within communities. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates comes to mind as I watch Joivan Wade interacting with Freddy, Steve Harris, in the film concerning other opportunities available in their neighborhood besides slinging dope. The idea that communities have to help themselves as much as possible even without government assistance is ever present throughout The First Purge though The First Purge emphasizes that government assistance should not damper community growth for monetary gain. The First Purge focuses on sensible matters in a comical way which always finds disruption due to matters plaguing a community capable of existing happily though is unable to due to particularly draining aspects of society like addictions, overdraft fees, corrupt government practices, illicit activities, etc. A very strong subtle point is that illicit activities are already happening (as though certain individuals or organizations live like Purgers everyday though plainly or under the pretense of out-of-sight-out-of-mind) and (these certain individuals or - ) organizations are manipulating media outlets as well as societal behaviors through financial maneuvers to promote their agendas. One might assess The First Purge as overly packed or appropriately scanning: I think it has a lot for one to bring to the table to dissect (though leaves one with a lot of ground work to cover due to the lack of specificity in the film concerning specific types of situations available - like the scene of brutality in a baseball field - the imagery is all one has to procure from).

Overall: 6.459/10

-K.D.

If you're into Poetry and other bits of creativity, check out my Instagram: @Dufreshest.… Expand

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4

Compi24Jul 10, 2018

James DeMonaco and Jason Blum bring us this fourth installment in the "Purge" franchise -- "The First Purge" -- a woefully stupid film that makes an unsophisticated attempt at trying something sophisticated; politics. Sociopolitics and horrorJames DeMonaco and Jason Blum bring us this fourth installment in the "Purge" franchise -- "The First Purge" -- a woefully stupid film that makes an unsophisticated attempt at trying something sophisticated; politics. Sociopolitics and horror don't always mix, and this film is no exception to that very simple fact. Any and all hopes that the creative team behind this film had to drive home some sort of relatable societal message is completely bogged down by the movie's lack of authenticity, logic, or character depth. And despite a couple of serviceable action scenes here and there, this is a largely forgettable effort.… Expand

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5

PanchogulJul 18, 2018

Como fan de esta franquicia debo expresar que esta si bien logró divertirme con sus escenas de acción, me decepcionó en todo lo demás, esperaba que plantearan mejor el concepto de la depuración, básicamente es exactamente la misma ideaComo fan de esta franquicia debo expresar que esta si bien logró divertirme con sus escenas de acción, me decepcionó en todo lo demás, esperaba que plantearan mejor el concepto de la depuración, básicamente es exactamente la misma idea principal de las demás entregas sin mejorar ni añadir ningún detalle nuevo, pese a la originalidad del concepto nuevamente no supieron ejecutarlo bien y termina siendo mas de lo mismo.… Expand

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6

ExShadowstrikerJul 11, 2018

The first purge was okay, and there's nothing wrong with that, it was entertaining, but never really captivating. You never really fall in love with any of the characters which means the stakes are never particularly high, it does a good jobThe first purge was okay, and there's nothing wrong with that, it was entertaining, but never really captivating. You never really fall in love with any of the characters which means the stakes are never particularly high, it does a good job at setting the picture for the world of the Purge movies but other than than it was okay. The plot was okay, the characters were okay. In short the entire experience was okay.… Expand

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6

SuperDuperKanyeJul 11, 2018

Even through their trivial (and predictable) mistakes, this movie manages to make you care for the main characters through different intertwining story-lines. Without the typical silly scenes and filmography that litter this film as well asEven through their trivial (and predictable) mistakes, this movie manages to make you care for the main characters through different intertwining story-lines. Without the typical silly scenes and filmography that litter this film as well as the other Purge films, it would score higher.… Expand

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6

TheQuietGamerNov 3, 2018

Gerard McMurray makes his mark on The Purge franchise. The thing that's kept me coming back to these movies has been their ability to get crazier with each successive entry and this is easily the most insane so far. A new hyper-stylishGerard McMurray makes his mark on The Purge franchise. The thing that's kept me coming back to these movies has been their ability to get crazier with each successive entry and this is easily the most insane so far. A new hyper-stylish approach has been taken to the visuals. The smoky streets with their ethereal glow and flashy block parties make it feel like a haunted house. The mask design is more creative and memorable than ever. As weird as it is to see what is chronologically the opening chapter adding sci-fi elements to the mix, those glowing-eyed contact lenses are a nice touch. It relishes in capturing the B-movie shlock with grindhouse-esque camera angles.

The politics of the series have always been questionable. Doing more to promote racism with it's highly segregated casting than not. This prequel might easily be the worst offender. No longer hiding behind the thin veneer of satire established by DeMonaco with the previous three films, McMurray is flat-out unsubtle with the symbolism that feels less timely, and more like fearmongering. The message is at odds with the actual content so even if it were the right time, this would never be the right movie.

It's hard to care about any of the characters as they're all a bunch of bland stereotypes. This is also the second dumbest Purge just after the original. The premise is that government is trying this event for the first time as an experiment and offering compensation to people if they'll stay on the island while it's happening with the promise of more money should they choose to participate further (i.e. actually commit crimes such as murder). When the time finally arrives they're surprised to find that no one is really doing anything. Gee, maybe it's because you guaranteed them a life-changing sum of money for just sucking air the night of the Purge. Given that all of this was the brainchild of a supposed social psychologist, you think they would have known going into it that when people realize they'll get paid for doing the bare minimum, that's all most of them are going to do. Especially in a situation where doing more would compromise their morals. That's like psychology 101.

Anyone will tell you though that the appeal of this series has never been it's story or characters, but the carnage. So it's a good thing this is one gloriously euphoric bloodbath. Y'lan Noel goes all Rambo in a low-rent apartment complex and a lot of throats are slit. With funny one-liners and tons of bloody action you can come into this expecting the usual entertaining madness. Just know that the subtext is more tone-deaf than ever.… Expand