Trailer Link

Release Date:

July 18, 2014

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “A young couple works to survive on the streets after their car breaks down right as the annual purge commences.”

Poster: C+ / B / C / C / C+ (3) / C (5)

Review: (#1) You know how you groan whenever a friend makes a really bad pun? Especially when that friend seems to very proud and amused by his or her own pun? That’s what this design reminds me of. It’s a play on a theme that isn’t really that original and might be a tad eye-rolling, but at least starts a conversation.

(#2-#12) The first of the new designs is probably the best the franchise will offer up. It sets the stakes and the dangers present on the streets. The next two designs are at odds with each other. One is meant as an in-film advertisement, the other is supposed to evoke horror. Neither are that effective. The fifth, sixth and seventh designs use taglines that are a little more evocative, but with character images that are less than spectacular. Finally, we have the five posters that spell out the word “PURGE” and sport visages that may be stalking the citizens in the night. They aren’t as frightening as they are intended to be.

Trailer: B / B / B-

Review: (#1) The concept of the original film was fresh enough to make it a box office hit. The inevitable sequel was greenlighted. While it might seem like the kind of subject that has limited sequel appeal, you wouldn’t know that by this trailer. The trailer takes a fresh twist on the concept, trapping people outside of the safety of their homes. That shift in dynamic should keep the premise alive for at least one more sequel.

(#2) It’s interesting to find a film that employs two trailers and doesn’t over-borrow from one to the next. We had only one significant story to follow in the first trailer and the second exposes a second and possibly third. Whether the two interlock is uncertain, but keeping your trailer fresh and appealing will work wonders in drawing back fans of the original.

(#3) After the first trailer, I was intrigued. After the second, I was interested still, but less so. With the third trailer, I’m beginning to feel that I’m losing interest fast the more of the film I see. This trailer doesn’t have the excitement, tension or surrealism of the first, which makes it feel more like a generic horror flick.

Oscar Prospects:

None.

Revisions:

(February 23, 2014) Original
(May 11, 2014) New Trailer (#2)
(July 13, 2014) New Trailer (#3) / New Posters (#2-#12) / Updated Release Date (changed from 6/20/14)

Additional Posters