Reviews: The Purge: Anarchy & "Into The Storm"

I saw Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema's found-footage natural disaster thriller "Into the Storm" over the weekend and The Purge: Anarchy last week. Rather than publish a separate full blown review for each film--I have decided to combine my thoughts into one post...Here we go...

The original Purge was released last year and starred Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey. Produced for just $3 million, the thriller went on to earn more than $87 million worldwide.

"Anarchy" is set in the same world as the first pic--where all crime is legalized for a 12-hour period. This sequel changes the action from an upper class suburban home invasion to the violent streets of Los Angeles.

A couple  Zach Gilford and Kiele Sanchez) are driving home when their car breaks down just as the Purge commences. Meanwhile, a police sergeant (Frank Grillo) goes out into the streets to get revenge on the man who killed his son, and a mother and daughter (Carmen Ejogo amd Zoe Soul) run from their home after a break in. The five strangers intersect  and they attempt to survive the night

I finally took time to watch the first film a few weeks ago and enjoyed it. My hopes for the sequel were high--Especially since James DeMonaco came back to write and direct the sequel. Sadly though the follow up turned out to be an uneven exercise. There are moments of brilliance that showed promise--a subplot involving  John Beasley comes to mind--The film's two major twists can be seen coming miles away. Disappointing....

Almost 20 years after Twister and we get "Storm" 

The script by John Swetnam follows multiple characters who are brought together in small-town Oklahoma who must confront intense tornado activity.

Prison Break and The Walking Dead's Sarah Wayne Callies plays a meteorologist gathering data  close-up tornado observation who has teamed up with a storm chaser (Matt Walsh) intent on getting the ultimate shot. Richard Armitage plays an assistant school principal who goes from overseeing a graduation ceremony to frantically trying to find his missing son (Max Deacon) with his other son (Nathan Kress)

I missed the flying cow...Steve Quale ("Final Destination 5") called the shots-- As James Cameron's visual effects supervisor and second unit director on "Avatar" and "Titanic" he's got the tech stuff down--It looks great. Now I am no weather guy but the film seemed to really stretch creditability. The plot and characters were one note and predictable.  If you see the film, check your brain and it should go down easier--otherwise it will both suck and blow.

Sharknado and Sharknado 2: The Second One are more fun.