Review of The Maze Runner (2014) by Joanna B — 05 Jul 2015

Making his directorial debut, visual effects specialist Wes Ball brings vivid life to the first novel of sci-fi author James Dasher's trilogy, The Maze Runner.

A hectic lord of the flies-esque enigma that borders on irritating, this is yet another action adventure dystopian teen drama box office money spinner with a guaranteed sequel.

In this post-apocalyptic rendering, monthly supplies and a mentally disorientated Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) is unceremoniously deposited in a colony of teenage boys in a walled-off paradise nicknamed the Glade.

First detainee and leader Alby (Aml Ameen) explains their little world of functions and roles, asking Thomas to conform. But quickly, Thomas' overt curiously and drive to escape the unnatural confinement, brings Alby to realise he is different.

Although vehemently enlightened to the reality that no one ever leaves sanctuary through the ever changing open-by-day; "Griever" filled-by-night maze walls, Thomas is undeterred from joining the "runners" and entering the maze to figure it out.

But with unscheduled arrival of the only female detainee ever - who inexplicably recognises Thomas before even knowing her own name, Thomas' reckless abandonment will unleash chaos in all its forms.

Essentially Lost in movie form, The Maze Runner relies heavily on the power of mystery to keep us entertained and the idea of the unknown is much more interesting than the known and this is the issue - there is not enough reasoning to satiate as a stand-alone film.

The Verdict: Movie producers have found a formula and are obviously sticking to it. With great visuals, decent enough acting, a dreadful script and post-apocalyptic setting, they are assured another winner. At least this one doesn't cash in on romantic teen angst... Yet.

Published : Canberra Weekly Magazine.

Date of Publication : 02/10/2015.