The Purge: Anarchy

It plays better than it reviews — the watch lands harder than the write-ups suggest.

• “It's also breathtaking to watch a throwaway studio sequel break its corporate chains before your very eyes and become something thrilling and dangerous and alive.”

  Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine (Vulture) · 80

• “The story has a welcome sense of continuous momentum, and what’s more, DeMonaco has a better handle on both his skewering of the entitled upper class (not as pointed as Paul Verhoeven’s ultraviolent satire, but a start) and the righteous anger of the targeted lower class (personified by Michael K. Williams’ resistance leader, Carmelo).”

  William Goss, Austin Chronicle · 78

• “The movie's potential blossoms whenever it toys with the allegorical ingredients head-on. DeMonaco's script plays like a devious Brothers Grimm tale told through the filter of Occupy Wall Street.”

  Eric Kohn, IndieWire · 75

• “The Purge: Anarchy expands on its predecessor, but the excellent news is that the sequel isn’t just bigger and badder and bleaker; it’s also better, smarter, stranger and tougher.”

  James Rocchi, Film.com · 75

• “The Purge: Anarchy efficiently exploits its high-concept premise while delivering far more visceral thrills than its predecessor.”

  Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter · 70