Like many other teen films of the moment this has come from yet another young adult fiction series and like many others it holds much drama. I have yet to read the series by James Dashner, I think I would be lying if I intended to pick up the book after seeing this movie. The story itself suits the big screen, it translates well and is enjoyable, thrilling and the acting isn’t that bad. This Dystopian Adventure revolves around Thomas played by Teen Wolf’s Dylan O’Brien, when he arrives in the Glade in a cage lift, without memories or a name (we find out it’s Thomas pretty early on and in the Trailer so no spoilers!). The Glade is situated at the centre of a giant maze, within this there are only boys and young men held together by Alby the first to arrive in the Glade. The story to me echo's the camaraderie of William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies, a story of a team of young boys who have crash-landed on an island. Though this movie doesn’t show the brutality of man being left to their own devices and having to fend for themselves. The Maze Runner depicts a relatively harmonious community where once a month the cage returns to the surface with supplies and a new boy whom is referred to as a ‘greenie’. The presence of a cage implies someone put them in the maze and to keep them from escaping there are Grievers, vicious and dangerous creatures. Though everything changes when a girl arrives with a message that spurs panic and chaos.
O’Brien is an excellent protagonist and there’s no doubt that some of his fan base from Teen Wolf will come to watch it. Aml Ameen (Noel Clarke’s Kidulthood) plays the inspiring Alby, as the smart and headstrong leader he a great character who you route for, he has done an excellent job at keeping all these boys in check and working together. The cast is incredibly Brit-strong with Will Poulter, Aml Ameen, Kaya Scodelario and Thomas Brodie-Sangster all part of the massive ensemble cast. Will Poulter (We’re the Millers) plays Gally, the antangonist of the group, though it is easy to relate to him so you both love and hate him. Poulter seems quite at home in Hollywood and lets hope he stays there. The girl known as Teresa is played by Kaya Scodelario (Channel 4 Drama Skins) who has made the the leap from the small screen to the big quite seamlessly, though the accent could do with a little work. Our final Brit, Brodie-Sangster is almost a veteran now with it being nearly 11 years since his first appearance on the big screen with Love Actually. Brodie-Sangster, plays Newt the Right Hand man to Alby, it’s not the most meaty role but he does a good job. Ki Hong Lee playing Minho is in my opinion one of the greatest characters, second only to Thomas’s story arch. Minho undergoes the greatest character cycle in the movie.
All in all The Maze Runner is a great family film, I wouldn’t hesitate to put it on on a wet sunday afternoon with the family, with the odd bit of mild profanity there’s not much to offend anyone. However despite there being a sequel in pre-production currently, I wouldn’t hold my breathe to see if the sequel comes into fruition. The book series has extremely mixed reviews. But if you want some an Entertaining Dystopian Adventure then go for it.
N.B. If you want a good giggle at a parody then check out SNL's take below.
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