The low-low budget social satire horror movie “The Purge” is blowing up the box office this weekend. Maybe it’s the few against many first-person shooter mayhem, a brilliant marketing campaign (social media) or people recognizing and buying into its heavy-handed sermon about a society in which “you’re on your own” and “the haves get to kill the have nots” may be Tea Party talking points, but that’s no way to live — but something is pulling in the peeps.

Box office took off for Thursday’s midnight showings, and Friday it cleared $15, pointing to a weekend take in the $34 million range. The Ethan Hawke/Lena Headey feature, written and directed by James DeMonaco, furthers Ethan Hawke’s horror hit streak. Wow.

“The Internship” didn’t pull in great reviews, either. But there’s residual good will in the teaming of Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. And it’s funny. It did a healthy Friday and looks as if it will clear $20 million for the weekend, exceeding expectations. Not “Hangover” numbers, not enough to make it a hit even. Maybe Saturday will be better.

“Fast & Furious” and “Now You See Me” will battle for third in the $15-16 million range. “After Earth” has dropped to $13. “Hangover III” will hit $12.