Review: The Maze Runner

Review: The Maze Runner
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 *Mild Spoilers Alert

Official 'The Maze Runner' Poster.

      With the flocking of so many YA adaptations to the big screen, 'The Maze Runner' surely stands out as one of the most loyal yet fresh and entertaining ones of that particular genre.

"Dylan O'Brian".

'The Maze Runner'. 

      'Thomas'(Dylan O'Brien) awakens inside a rusty elevator freight. When he arrives at the top and the lift is opened, he is greeted by a group of boys called 'The Gladers'. He discovers that these boys have been stuck in this dangerous maze for three years, where they have been able to create a working society in order to survive. The first resident to appear is 'Alby'(Aml Ameen) the leader of 'The Gladers'. In the Ground, each resident is assigned a certain task that he must perform and where rules must be respected. Among these residents a group of boys called 'The Runners', who are tasked to enter the maze so they can explore and map the maze, hoping to find a way to escape this ever-changing maze. However, 'Thomas' does not accept this status quo and tries to find a way to escape, which does not cope well with 'Gally'(Will Poulter), leader of 'The Builders' who does not want change. Soon enough, 'The Gladers''s peace starts to be shaken when 'Thomas' further explores. Soon enough they will realize that time has come for 'The Gladers' to get out of the maze, but this is better said than done. Other major characters include 'Teresa'(Kaya Scodelario) the only female 'Glader', 'Newt'(Thomas Brodie-Sangster) 'Alby''s second in command, 'Minho'(Ki Hong Lee) keeper of 'The Runners', 'Chuck'(Blake Cooper) the youngest of 'The Gladers' and 'Ava Paige'(Patricia Clarkson).

"Dylan O'Brian" and
"Kaya Scodelario".

'The Maze Runner'. 

      Ever since the release of 'Twilight' and its film saga, studios have been eager to release their own YA movies. Whether they have been successful and opened the door for a full film series, like 'TheHunger Games' and 'Divergent', or were unable to begin their franchise like 'The Host(2013)' and 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones', YA book adaptations are still going to be coming our way. And a negative idea and stamp is going to follow these movies. However, films like 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'The Maze Runner' will prove that the potential that these books hold can be positively and successfully translated into the big screen. 'The Maze Runner' probably won't live up to the huge hype that 'Hunger Games' generated, still the sci-fi ideas and premise that are blended with likeable and thoughtful characters and drama will allow it to become one of these better movies. What intrigued many is the solid premise that the movie surrounds itself with, that allowed this thriller feeling to be included. Mix these elements with solid performances by a talented cast, the work of the director, exquisite special effects and the work on the sound , the movie surely is a successful one.

"Ki Hong Lee" and "Dylan O'Brian".

"Thomas Brodie-Sangster",
"Dylan O'Brian", "Blake Cooper"
and "Will Poulter".

      "Wes Ball" commences his professional directing work with this movie, and this start is pretty much the best he could have hoped for. Known mainly as a visual effect and graphic artist, his background in these aspects further helped him bring out a solid adaptation. "Wes" succeeds in translating the main ideas and story that the book wants to provide a well-held and entertaining film. But in doing so, he failed to dig deeper in many psychological aspects that the book had. The screenplay was helmed by "Noah Oppenheim"('The Divergent Series: Allegiant Part 1 and Part 2'), "Grant Pierce Meyers" and "T.S. Nowlin", who strongly translates what the author of the book intended to be, with the usual changes that accompany such genre movies. The special effects are one of the strongest aspects of the movie, depicting the world the movie is set in such a realistic manner. The same credit should be given to the sound, which plays a major part in setting up what is coming. Composer "John Paesano"('DreamWorks Dragons') also contributes with a decent score.

"Kaya Scodelario", "Dylan O'Brian",
and "Aml Ameen".

'The Maze Runner'.

      Refraining on giving us the overused story-telling romance and showing us a fresh outlook on what happens when a group of guys are put in a harsh environment was a new and appreciated move. The movie for the most part sticks with the major premise and story that the book offers. Many of those who read the book will probably know that changes have been made in certain elements. However, these changes were mostly done to improve upon the cinematic experience and allow for the thrill and excitement of the movie to exist and to allow the continuity of the franchise should it ever have a sequel. The 'maze', an integral character to the story and the promotions, was set up in a very efficient manner maintaining its mystery. The world the movie creates is very limited, yet glimpses of the potential it holds can be seen. The thriller aspect was one of the most favorable aspects of the movie, whether it was in the beginning, the meeting of the 'Griever', or the action sequences. The minimal use of special effects and allowing the movie to be translated as realistic as possible was appreciated. The ending does set-up the sequel fully and does promise us an even better movie and hopefully a satisfying YA franchise.

"Kaya Scodelario" and
"Thomas Brodie-Sangster".

"Thomas Brodie-Sangster",
"Dylan O'Brian" and "Ki Hong Lee".

      "Dylan O'Brien" provides us with a solid performance as the lead of the franchise, yet he is not given enough room to develop the character, especially since the movie was to set up the movie's methodology. "Kaya Scodelario" does what is possible with her character, given the diminished role when compared to the book, which was a bit of a disappointment. A glimpse of the romance between the two characters was apparent, but fortunately its development was avoided. 'Game of Thrones' star "Thomas Brodie-Sangster" contributed in a major way elevating a character that could have been easily sidelined, and "Will Poulter" also boosted his character and gave him emotional complexity. "Ki Hong Lee", "Aml Ameen" and "Blake Cooper" gave breakout performances as 'Minho', 'Alby' and 'Chuck' respectively. Each brought the character to life and was given their respective time to shine. The inclusion of "Patricia Clarkson" was a refreshing surprise, though for a certain scene her future in the series was in jeopardy. Given the potential of the young and upcoming cast and the additions in the sequel, 'The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials' potential is looking bright.

      'The Maze Runner' strongly cemented itself and opened a new franchise. With the critical acceptance, huge box office success and hidden potential, many including myself are anticipating the sequel next year.

Official 'The Maze Runner' Poster.

-'The Maze Runner' Info:
-Based on: 'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner.
-Starring: Dylan O'Brian, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter, Ki Hong Lee, Aml Ameen, Blake Cooper and Patricia Clarkson.
-Studio(s): Temple Hill Entertainment, TSG Entertainment and 20th Cetury Fox.
-Directed by: Wes Ball.
-Screenplay by: Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Meyers, T.S. Nowlin.
-Music by: John Paesano.
-Running Time: 113 minutes.
-Budget: $ 34,000,000.
-Box Office: -Domestic(US): $ 101,432,073.
                   -Foreign: $ 236,463,709.
-Rating: -IMdb: 7.3/10.
             -Rotten Tomatoes: 63%.
             -Metacritic: 56%.

             -PERSONAL RATING: 7.7/10.

-'The Maze Runner' Trailer: