Popcorn Bag Reviews: “The Purge: Anarchy,” “Sex Tape”

In the FOX 4 Screening Room: “The Purge: Anarchy,” “Sex Tape”

1. THE PURGE: ANARCHY (R)
Universal Pictures

RUSS
The low budget horror flick “The Purge” became a surprise hit in 2013. It took place in the near future, and depicted an America where murder is legal one night per year. Now we have the sequel, “The Purge: Anarchy.” Perhaps the only people who need to be purged are the folks who foisted this cinematic garbage on us. Unlike the first installment, the sequel “The Purge: Anarchy” is more of an action film, with lots of bloody mayhem as some innocent folks flee a shadowy military force that’s exterminating large numbers. It’s genuinely creepy, but in spite of its obvious pretentions, “The Purge: Anarchy” is nothing more than a celebration of violence masquerading as a social commentary.

RUSS: 1 Popcorn Bag
SHAWN: DID NOT SCREEN

2. SEX TAPE (R)
Sony Pictures

SHAWN
“Sex Tape” isn’t as raunchy as you might think considering the title. It’s actually a pretty conventional rom-com elevated by the two leads Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel. But it’s very funny and a lot of fun. Yes, the couple make a sex tape but there is nothing graphic. The tone stays playful. The jokes are plentiful. And Cameron Diaz continues to surprise as a comedic talent.

RUSS: DID NOT SCREEN
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
Also opening this week, “Venus in Fur” is director Roman Polanski’s adaptation of David Ives’ Tony Award-winning Broadway play. “Life Itself” is a documentary about the life of the late film critic, Roger Ebert. “Planes: Fire & Rescue” is Disney’s follow-up to its 2013 feature “Planes,” a spinoff of Pixar’s “Cars.”

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