The Purge: Election Year (2016)

Director: James DeManaco
Writer: James DeMonaco
Stars: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson

Synopsis:
Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell) is running for president to end the Purge once and for all but the new founding fathers don't agree with her and try to set up her assassination during the annual Purge sending her and her body guard Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) out on the streets to fend for themselves throughout the night.

Review:
The Purge movie series is one of the few series that I know that can actually improve upon themselves with each release. I thought the first one was a bit silly but still wasn't a waste of my time, but then I saw the second one and was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed it, even though it did still have its problems. This one though not only was it just as enjoyable as the last one, but a lot of the narrative problems I had with the last one have actually been improved upon to make this one my favorite and actually a bit excited if they do tend to make another one. This isn't perfect, there were a few things that did make me roll my eyes but they didn't linger as much though out the film like the last one's problematic portions did.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Recommendation: See it

The Boy

Director: William Brent Bell
Writers: Stacey Menear
Stars: Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, James Russel

Synopsis:
A nanny is hired to look after a family's son that actually turns out to be a life-sized doll.

Review:
This movie falls into the category of false marketing, much like House at the End of the Street did, although not as bad. I say that because the first half of the film is much like what the trailers show us the film to be, but then by the time the second half of the film hits, its a thriller, and I think that's where people get upset with this film, much like how they were with House at the End of the Street. I personally loved both that and The Boy, and I think it's because of that reason, they're not really what they look to be, and actually surprise me.
Like I said the first half is all about the doll being possessed but through some twist and turns, the plot takes us to thriller territory and the scares fade, which I actually quite enjoyed. Of course I can see why the majority of people would be upset due to the fact that a lot of people come to these to get scared then feel ripped off when it turns out not to be scary.
Now, this movie isn't perfect and I wouldn't even say it's worth full price at this point, and the twist does offer up a bunch of questions that don't get answered, ultimately they might make a prequel explaining it like most horror movies recently. But while that's a problem, Lauren Cohan's character really is the best thing about this movie and makes the movie worth watching. The story can be considered bland, depending on your thoughts on the paranormal and possession genre as of late.

Rating: 4 Stars

Recommendation: If you are looking for a darker movie to watch in theaters right now then this would be your best bet. I'd recommend a matinee to save some money though in case you find yourself disappointed in it. 

Deathgasm

Director: Jason Lei Howden

Writers: Jason Lei Howden

Stars: Milo Cawthorne, James Blake, Kimberley Crossman

Synopsis:
A couple teenagers accidentally summon demons when trying to make a new song for the Death Metal band, DEATHGASM.

Review:
This movie was just pure fun, it especially worked well for me because I'm into the metal genre of music and I love a good bloodbath. The acting wasn't anything special but it wasn't terrible by any means, the main attraction for this movie is the practical effects, the bloody mutilations, and just the pure fun this movie delivers throughout its breakneck pace.
If you don't like bloody movies, than this isn't going to be for you, I don't know though if you'd really be looking into a film called Deathgasm if you weren't though to be honest. I wasn't really expecting much from this when I first heard this, but ever since it first got screen I've been hearing mainly great things about it so I decided to pick it up when I got the chance, and I'm so glad I did. This had laughs and blood oozing everywhere. Now there are a few problems, mostly nick picking, but I think there should have been maybe an extra scene or two of demon action scenes, but I know this wasn't made on the biggest of budgets and honestly I feel like that's only because I felt like I blinked and the ride was already over.


Rating: 4.5 stars


Recommendation: If you're into horror films, bloodbaths, and metal music then I'm sure this will serve you just fine in the entertainment department.