Review of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) by Nathandrake007 — 21 Sep 2015

It's no secret at all that in Hollywood, all success is followed by developments of a sequel. So comes the trials and errors of try hard young-adult adaptations. Some Fail epicly, such as the dreadful 'Mortal Instruments' movie and 'Eragon'. Some dont hurt as much, such as the better but equally failing adaptation of 'I Am Number Four'. I could go on.

The Maze Runner is the latest feature to fall into that pattern. The movie made big money in its first three days of original release. So I ran to see what all the fuss was about. I came out extremely satisfied and so surprised at the quality of Director Wes Balls take on the novels by James Dashner, that I immediately started yelling at all my friends and family to go and see it. Most of them were not disappointed either.

Then comes 'The Scorch Trials' Released exactly one year and one day after the originals release. Starring the surviving members of the original film as seen below. Dylan O'Brien returns as Thomas (keep an eye out for in his next Film 'Deepwater Horizon' Based on the an offshore Oil Rigg Explosion which created the largest oil spill in U.S. History) and my favourite Kay Scodelario (Tv's Skins). A big mention goes to the amazing young actor Jacob Lofland, who plays 'Aris Jones' who was amazing here and in his previous film 'MUD'.

The film picks up almost moments after the initial film ended. Leaving the Maze and The Grievers behind. The kids are taken back by 'Janson' Played by Game Of Thrones 'Aidan Gillen' to what seems like a safe zone away from the now barren wastelands of Earth, which have been destroyed by The Scorch. The Scorch being a tremendously fierce and frightening storm that basically melts away and destroys nearly anything it touches. Also being kept at bay is what seems like infected humans, almost zombie like creatures that remain on the outside. Who doesn't like a good zombie chase drama? It should be all happy days and new beginnings for the group. Only to find out something W.C.K.D is still coming.

Suffice to say it all starts a mostly brilliant 'On The Run' action movie. Amazing set pieces, music and of course most of the main cast of actors bring what they need to. Most of the new ones feel a little like left overs. Either it is them, or its the new script writer. The first half is brilliant and for me, sadly, the second half just doesn't hold up to the originals thrilling and intense mystery sideshow. Introducing too many factions and characters and losing the eerie 'Everyone is possibly dead or dying' feel. Even with its slight throw of a boomerang towards the end, that, anyone can see coming from a mile away. There were some truly horrific and scary scenes that, I am glad I did not bring my 'ready and willing' 8 year old along to. In the end however, what we have is a fun, serviceable sequel, that leaves it wide open for what will no doubt be the third, final act (chopped into two I am sure). There are 5 Books overall I believe.

Quite frankly this series will probably end up being an exciting watch together when they are all complete. For now we have to play the waiting game and even though I will see the eventual sequel and where it goes, I don't quite feel I need to. Which leaves me feeling a little down after the amazing start this series had.