Review of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) by Craig F — 11 Dec 2015

No longer the leader he was in the first, Thomas is bogged down into bad decision making by a predictable script. Nearly every scene in the first hour references things we know nothing about, piling on so many questions that by the time we're given answers, they can't live up.

Brenda is the most likable, well rounded character we've met, resourceful and loyal, it's nice to see them not waste her like they did Mary. The soundtrack is more memorable this time around but unfortunately the story is not, completely ignoring its namesake in favor of chasing a possibly non-existent rebellion.

It's impossible not to compare the series to 'The Hunger Games', so the step back in this 'Maze Runner' sequel is even more disheartening for what was only a good beginning. They aren't much better overall, but 'The Hunger Games' is littered with emotion, something 'The Scortch Trials' is seriously lacking.

The action is fine but the development is stale, entirely forgetting that last Glade survivor that entered the Scortch with them and simply disappeared. The movie only finds it's stride with the introductions of Jorge and Brenda, struggling with predictability, especially once the Red Arm is located.

Once again the ending feels too episodic; Loose ends are fine but when you end your movie on the brink of the defining moments, you've got a problem. It should be noted Minho is struck by lightning and then electrocuted twice.

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