The Gladers anxiously stare into the maze, unsure of their chances of escape and survival. photo from http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/September-Movie-Preview-Maze-Runner-570×294.jpg
Review includes spoilers.
Director Wes Ball’s adaptation of James Dashner’s The Maze Runner hit theaters September 19, 2014. As it entertains with a puzzling, action-packed story, the movie’s many components produce feelings of hopelessness and pity within viewers.
Centered around life in the Glade, a grass field surrounded by a massive labyrinth, The Maze Runner focuses on the arrival of a “greenie” named Thomas (Dylan O’brien). Thomas becomes acquainted with the strict rules of the Glade, receiving advice from Gladers Alby (Aml Ameen), Chuck (Blake Cooper), and Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster). Thomas becomes a maze runner and helps Minho (Ki-Hong Lee) in his search for the maze exit.
Gally (Will Pouter) plays the role of the antagonist and is always looking for a fight. Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) is the first girl to arrive in the Glade. Her appearance sparks panic as she comes bearing an alarming message.
Amidst rampant confusion, the Gladers work together to defend themselves from the horrors of the maze, ultimately seeking answers as to who they are and why they are there. In the end, they discover a surprise from maze director Ava Paige (Patricia Clarkson).
Cinematography is a definite strength of the film. Viewers experience dread right from the beginning when Thomas is shooting upwards at record speed in a tiny, dark elevator.
Similar prison-like conditions exist in the Glade. The maze’s high stone walls intimidate every Glader except Thomas, who takes every chance he gets to go loping off into the maze. Even the juxtaposed darkness of the maze from the light of the Glade does not stop him; the maze is shadowy and makes eerie noises, while the Glade is peaceful and sunny.
In terms of weaknesses, the Grievers or mechanical monsters Thomas encounters inside the maze seem a bit unrealistic and do not fit the novel’s description. Otherwise, graphics are believable. The maze is larger than life and fits the intimidating persona producers sought.
The fact that Teresa and Thomas are not romantic with one another contrasts with Dashner’s novel. It will be hard to continue the story line since there is little romantic dialogue and interaction between these two.
Characters also speak in choppy, quick sentences because action envelopes the plot. Fast-paced, the film jumps quickly from one scene to another. There is no slowing down and little time for reflection, which confuses viewers who have never read the novel. Thomas and Teresa are the only ones who really go “in-depth” when speaking about the strange visions they’re having, and even then, their speech is limited.
Overall, the movie seems rushed through, as though the filmmakers had to meet a specific viewing time. The production is, however, well-casted in terms of desperation and emotion portrayed.
The misery of the Gladers is palpable throughout the film, which effectively holds the viewer’s attention.Though at times the movie is fast and confusing, it is a must-see because of its prolonged suspense, talented acting, and amazing sets. Oh, and its cliffhanger ending, which suggests a sequel. Senior Kristiana Gehly comments on the film. “I really liked the movie, it was very suspenseful and kept my attention from the first minute. I especially loved how the movie ended, letting the watcher know that there would be another one to follow.”