Check out my youtube review HERE!!!
Maze Runner is the latest YA adaptation to be churned out of Hollywood this time from the novel of the same name by James Dashner (yes, his last name has 'dash' in it). The film was directed by visual effects artist Wes Bell who has directed several short films before including the animated short 'Ruin.' The film stars a very young cast including Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Aml Ameen, Ki Hong Lee, Blake Cooper and the one veteran in the lovely Patricia Clarkson.
Since Twilight (possibly even Harry Potter) YA adaptations have been in high demand though met by groans by those not part of the book fan base especially since most are aimed at young females. The Hunger Games really set the fire alight setting a newer trend with post-apocalyptic/dystopian settings followed by such films as The Host, Divergent, The Giver and more. Though Maze Runner can also be included in this latest trend it definitely manages to be it's own movie for the most part, especially since this one is made for the boys.
The cast is really solid with good performances though quite a few of the characters are clichés. I'm quite sure that many of these young actors have a future ahead of them especially Dylan O'Brien who will probably do quite well with the young ladies. Unfortunately as the only female in the group Kaya Scodelario isn't given that much to do except be a plot device especially because she's enters so late in the game. Along with that you have a film that is really well shot and scored; the music is extremely effective and at times beautiful while also being quite terrifying.
What really makes the film work though is the director; Wes Ball does a fantastic job and really raises the film beyond its failings. What he does is create a tension that gets tighter and tighter with every passing minute leaving you with very little time to breath. The film is also very quickly paced adding to the suspense. Unfortunately the script weighs his work down with many plot holes, illogical decisions and an ending that almost brings the film down to a screaming halt and tries too hard to set up the sequel that it doesn't really let the film finish on it's own terms.
Maze Runner is a very well made film that hits most of the right beats that blockbusters do these days. Unfortunately it is not daring enough to be unique though it does set itself apart enough not to be stale. I believe Wes Ball has quite a future ahead of him but unfortunately it seems he must finish off the Maze Runner franchise before he can move on to something different and hopefully new. Maze Runner definitely entertains and that's really all most people can ask for but I really hope we get something significantly different sometime soon.
3 out of 5 stars.
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