Maze Runner Review

Based on the popular first book of the Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner,
Director Wes Balls Maze Runner is one film not to miss. Ever felt trapped and
utterly disorientated? Well be prepared to feel that in the extreme.




The opening scene launches the audience straight into the action with the
traumatic arrival of Thomas (Dylan OBrian) in The Glade, a valley walled off by
a huge metal maze and populated by teenage boys. It is somewhat reminiscent
of Lord of The Flies, except these boys have got it together and created a society
with Alby (Aml Ameen), as the calm and sensible leader and Newt (Thomas
Brodie-Sangster) as his second in command. Each boy has an allotted job, the
most risky of which is being a runner. you are going to love finding out why!

The boys, desperate to be free, face a daily battle for survival; they live by their
own rules but the maze has its own rules too.

From the title, its obvious that this film focuses on a maze, but this maze is
different - take the maze in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, imagine it twice
as dangerous and creepy and youre still only half way to explaining this
mindboggling labyrinth. As the story develops, the spectacular maze reveals its
character it moves, responds and changes.. Its your worst nightmare come
true.

The special effects are outrageously realistic, perhaps owing to Wes Balls career
foundations in animation. You may be aware of his short film A work in progress,
which features both animation and live action and received a student academy
award, and Ruin which, Ball suggests, led him to make the widely anticipated
Maze Runner.

Dont worry, the film isnt all special effects and doom and gloom, there are some
lighter moments too, mostly involving the young Chuck (Blake Cooper) who
befriends Thomas, and the frankly comical introduction to Teresa (Kaya
Scodelario). Trust me, youll know what I mean when you watch it. At heart, this
is a film about kids figuring out a puzzle together; its a movie about getting
answers. How did they get there? What is the maze for? Who controls it? This is
undoubtedly an intriguing scenario.



Disappointingly though, the audience are thrown headfirst into this science-
fiction, and if you havent read the book (as I hadnt) it can all seem rather
confusing. The constant pace of action means that, whilst we get to know general
character traits (Thomas is brave, Alby is wise etc.), we dont ever really get to
know the characters in depth. We might not expect to learn about their histories
as the characters cannot remember their pasts, but when there is a chance for us
to learn more about the boys who have been in The Glade the longest, its
glossed over. Alby refers to past troubles, saying that it wasnt always so calm
and organised but we never learn anything more than that so we miss out on any
character development.

This is a real missed opportunity although we are intrigued to learn more
about this fantasy world, we would care more if we could empathise with the
characters. Perhaps then the film would have achieved more impact and a
greater following. However, there are four books which means four more films,
so plenty of time for Ball to expand the characters and prospects for these
talented young actors to produce on-screen chemistry. There were no romantic
moments in this film, but there seemed to be the promise of a romance between
Thomas (OBrien) and Teresa (Scodelario) in the next instalment; girls and boys
everywhere are about to become exceedingly jealous.

Maze Runner is a post-apocalyptic science-fiction film that should not be missed.
Whilst it is aimed at the young adult readers of the books, it offers much to
viewers of all ages - we can all embrace this intriguing and incredible visual
spectacle created by Ball.

By Olivia-Rose Lindsey