Review of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) by Diogomendes — 02 Oct 2015

A sequel so full of plot holes, hampered by clichéd writing, it's hard to imagine how this would succeed. Well, here's the answer: it didn't. The original was an immensely entertaining YA affair, with some exposition and underdeveloped characters, but the cinematography was stunning and the action sequences (nicely directed by Wes Ball) were fast-paced. All in all, I gave it a 6/10 for sheer entertainment, but didn't hold me as much other genre films like Hunger Games, for example. The sequel does little to improve on it, unsurprisingly, and some appreciated characters from the first didn't get enough focus in this one, and that annoyed me. If there's the worst thing I would point out is the zero character development "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" has. Honestly, there's no longer a reason as to why it has that title. There were no mazes, just running from Guards, running from zombies (oh my God, do not get me started on the name they gave them), running from lightning, running from everything. There was too far much running than it was necessary. Not helping matters is Kaya Scodelario's performance as Teresa. She isn't convincing nor her character's reasons. There's a reason as to why she betrays her friends, and it doesn't make any sense. It's like the writers don't know what do with her anymore.

Assuredly, there were a lot of stunning production settings and action sequences, but it's not on par with its predecessor, and ultimately makes for a very disappointing time in cinema this year.

Final Score: 4.