Review of The Maze Runner (2014) by Diogomendes — 31 Dec 2014

After the disappointing movie known as "Divergent", I wasn't expecting another YA film, but guess what? "The Maze Runner" came out and I watched it yesterday. So, is it better than most of average YA fare? Absolutely yes. Although it's not refreshing as it should be (mostly because of the exposition which I think it's too much), the movie does a commendable job at letting the actors give excellent performances and the director smartly offers some stunning visuals.

A boy wakes up in an elevator with no recollection of his name, where he comes from, or where he is. As he emerges from the earth, he finds himself in a community of boys, living in a glade. As the boy slowly starts unearthing memories, such as his name, Thomas, he also finds out more sinister things from the other boys about the place he's landed. The boys are held prisoners within the centre of a gigantic maze, and for three years they've been looking for a way out. And now it's up to Thomas to find that way. But the road isn't going to be easy, as any who dares enter the maze finds himself hunted by the Grievers.

Like I said earlier in this review, the acting and the directing are pretty good. Wes Ball seems to have an understanding of the movie's pace. As the movie flows throughout the movie, we get to understand the characters and the build up of what it's going on the maze. I perfectly understood the story thanks to its sweet premise. There is one intense scene where Thomas is trying to hide so that the Griever can't see him, and I loved that part. I also like the tone and the visual effects.

Overall, it was pretty enjoyable and if you're a fan of "Young Adult" movie, you will love the sequel set-up, YES, there is going to be a sequel. The ending will explain that. As I was saying, it gives occasionally expository dialogue, but the movie is well acted, nicely directed and the atmosphere is just appealing.

And I'm gonna give this movie a 6.5/10.