Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stronger characters but weaker ideas in violent sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
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The Purge: Anarchy
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 47 kid reviews
Kids say that this film features intense action and higher levels of violence and language than its predecessor, leading to mixed reviews about its suitability for younger viewers. While some found the plot engaging and the characters relatable, others deemed it boring and lacking in suspense, suggesting it may not resonate with all audiences.
- action packed
- intense violence
- mixed reviews
- not suitable for all
- character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A year after the previous event, Americans in the year 2023 prepare for THE PURGE: ANARCHY, a night of lawlessness, rampage, and murder that supposedly results in a healthier, happier nation. A waitress (Carmen Ejogo) and her spunky daughter (Zoe Soul) find themselves attacked in their own home. And a feuding couple (Zach Gilford and Kiele Sanchez) are stuck outside after their car breaks down. The vengeance-seeking tough guy (Frank Grillo) winds up rescuing the four of them, reluctantly agreeing to protect them, but remains intent on completing his violent plan. Who will survive when this night is over?
Is It Any Good?
Whereas the low-budget original The Purge focused on a stressful situation, this sequel seems to be more interested in sympathetic characters. But the ambiguous theme of the previous movie, the thought-provoking concept of whether the end justified the means, is now gone.
The Purge: Anarchy is more purely black-and-white in its thinking. Here, only rich, evil, greedy people participate in the purge. The movie brings up some surface platitudes about class inequality and pays homage to more inventive movies, but nothing ventures very deep. Upsetting the balance even more is the camera-shaking quality of James DeMonaco's direction. Any time a chase or a shootout is required, the movie simply turns to mush.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Purge: Anarchy's violence. What point is it trying to make? Does the movie celebrate or condemn violence?
Does the movie qualify as horror or a thriller? Is it scary? How is it different from or similar to other horror movies? How is it different from or similar to the original?
What's the movie's stance on the concept of "the purge"? What are the arguments for or against it?
Who are the leaders and followers in this movie? What attributes do they have? Are they admirable? Are they role models?
What good deeds are done in the movie? What is their end result?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 18, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : October 21, 2014
- Cast : Frank Grillo , Carmen Ejogo , Zach Gilford
- Director : James DeMonaco
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong disturbing violence, and for language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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