Release Date: Sep 19, 2014
Runtime: 1 hr. 53 min.
Director:Wes Ball
Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Will Poulter, Thomas Sangster, Aml Ameen, Ki Hong Lee, Kaya Scodelario, Patricia Clarkson.
There's a certain formula when it comes to YA adaptations: a dystopian future with futile hopes of survival, and the lone hero who's repeatedly undermining the system. And then there always seems to be an emergence of new challengers – another story, another franchise just waiting to be capitalized. But seldom does a film improve upon its source material, which just happens to be the case for James Dashner's "The Maze Runner." Set in a vast clearing called 'The Glade' enclosed by a maze, the film is shrouded in mystery from its initial conception. Thomas, played by Dylan O'Brien, is thrust into this world, with no recollection of how or why he got there. With little more than a name and a group of Gladers, it's up to him to solve the maze and its true intentions. What made Dashner's book intriguing was the secrecy of it all and the film sharpens it further with added intensity. Faster-paced and more suspenseful, it has greater elements of surprise, though if you already know the story it's still the same outcome. But minor changes to the script provide a welcome departure, especially in grounding the material in a more plausible reality. Director Wes Ball creates an engaging environment, relying heavily on natural components rather than over-the-top effects. The maze itself is an ever-changing enigma, symbolizing both torment and salvation for the worn-down characters. O'Brien and the cast are convincing in their roles as they are tested physically and mentally in their pursuit of escape. But like most YA films, the ending leaves more to be desired as the inevitable conclusion is anything but that. While it may not match up to "The Hunger Games," "The Maze Runner" stands up on its own as it sprints to catch up in this trending genre.
Rating: 3½ stars
