The Maze Runner Review
The Maze Runner
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Starring: : Dylan O’Brien, Will Poulter, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Directed by: Wes Ball
Genre: Action, Science Fiction
Running time: 113 minutes
Rating: 12A
Release date: 10 October 2014
Thomas wakes up trapped in a huge maze with no memory of who he is and what has happened. Surrounded by young male adults some of whom have been trapped there for three years and all whose memories have been wiped.
They have learnt to survive and depend on each other under leader Alby who keeps everybody in line. Each morning the runners enter the maze to see if they can find a way out but have to return before dark because it is inhabited by Grievers – huge mechanical spiders that sting!
Thomas’ arrival stirs trouble and things begin to change for the worst. Thomas realises that he has got to be the one to help them escape before it is too late.
Overall, the cast are all top notch actors. The film is a fast paced sci-fi action romp and is solid until the end. Some of the sound effects are just too much for the sound system to handle and it ends up being a horrible car crash of a noise (in my opinion). The maze itself is very impressive. Dylan O’Brien takes on the role of Thomas with obvious gusto and is excellent.
Directed by Wes Ball and Douglas Cummings I would say it is a pretty run of the mill movie. With a rating of 12A (under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult) I feel it is right up the street of pre-teen Dr Who fans. The movie last just under two hours but at no point did I feel bored or disinterested and was curious throughout as to what would happen next. It was such a shame that I found the ending complicated and confusing, but as there is a sequel already in the pipeline I guess it is keep you intrigued and wanting more! I asked my partner Al to explain the end to me on the way home (he is a massive sci-fi fan) but unfortunately he hadn’t quite understood it either.
A good if not great night’s entertainment.
Rating: 3.5/5
The Maze Runner is in cinemas nationwide from 10 October 2014. To view the official trailer click here.
