The Purge: Anarchy

One night per year, the government sanctions a 12-hour period in which citizens can commit any crime they wish -- including murder -- without fear of punishment or imprisonment. Leo, a sergeant who lost his son, plans a vigilante mission of revenge during the mayhem. However, instead of a death-dealing avenger, he becomes the unexpected protector of four innocent strangers who desperately need his help if they are to survive the night.

A step up from the original in scale and ambition, The Purge: Anarchy trades the home-invasion premise for something more expansive but still struggles to follow through on its social commentary. Critics were split between appreciating its grittier, more action-oriented energy and finding its political ideas shallow and underdeveloped — more gesture than genuine provocation.