The movie begins abruptly, lights are flashing on and off, and a freight elevator ascends toward the ceiling so bracingly fast it that it feels like a rendition of the ending of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Enter Thomas, a heaving panicked mess.
When the lift grinds to a halt, it opens up to the scene we see in the trailer: an encampment of dozens of boys surrounding the lift to welcome a memory wiped Thomas. A sweeping panoramic view of the Glade and the massive concrete walls surrounding them shortly follows.
Adapted from the first novel of James Dashner’s series of the same name, The Maze Runner follows this diverse group of boys–who all, in fact, arrive at the Glade with amnesia—as Thomas’ arrival spurs them out of their complacency in order to find a way out of the Maze they have been trapped in for three years.
Maze Runner is slow to start after Thomas arrives in the Glade. Most of the first act is eaten up by Thomas feeling out the roles of the boys, learning his place among them and screwing things up royally according to antagonist Gally.
Despite the lull, it is smartly and economically realized by first time director Wes Ball. In fact, it is the first feature film for many of the young actors in the cast who handle their roles naturally. Although, some haven’t quite mastered the art of dying yet—I’m sure it’s easier said than done.
Dylan O’Brien, one of the better actors on Teen Wolf, gives a commendable performance as Thomas, whose shoulders bare most of the weight of the emotional beats. Newt, played by Thomas Brodie Sangster (Game of Thrones), quickly shoots down any of his ideas when it comes to problem solving, telling him that whatever he can think of, they have already tried twice. He is more curious than the rest, decidedly more than leader Alby, Newt, or Gally (Will Poulter, We Are the Millers) who just want to keep the order. Even Minho, the brave Runner, (those tasked with mapping out the Maze) tucks tail and runs when danger rears its head.
While there is little to no hand holding through the plot, as the audience learns things at the same pace as the protagonist, the third act dissolves into a massive exposition dump near the end. This is promptly followed by an obvious sequel set up.
It appeals to most audiences without pandering to certain demographics (reserved fake cough for Percy Jackson). It also doesn’t shy away from its PG-13 rating as Divergent and Hunger Games often does.
One reviewer described it as part Lord of the Flies and part Cabin in the Woods. I agree; there is a certain element of duality present.
One the one hand, it is easy to accept the stripped down life style that they are forced into, but it feels like a different movie when subplots begin to bring about a change in the atmosphere.
However, the organic grittiness of the Maze meshes well with other larger more technical set pieces.
In the end, a lot of questions are left up in the air.
At comic-con, the director stated that the screenwriter was currently working on the script for the sequel The Scorch Trials, so questions will be answered.
Maze Runner manages to hold its own as an entertaining adaptaion but suffers from first-movie-syndrome.
If you can get past all the sequel set up, it is an enjoyable watch.
Zhana Johnson
Senior Features Editor