HOLLYWOOD—Upon first glance, “The Maze Runner” doesn’t look like anything interesting, but once in the theater seat this move proves to have plenty of adrenaline and surprises up its sleeve the audience would never suspect. The movie which is based on the 2009 young adult novel by James Dashner stars “Teen Wolf” alum Dylan O’Brien who finds himself trapped inside a maze that presents all types of traps.
While many look at the picture and automatically suspect this is film catered to the male audience, it’s not the case. Women can find intrigue in the movie, just as much as the males thanks to a strong female lead in Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), who is the sole female trapped inside the Maze, which our captors have named The Glade.
What our hero Thomas learns is that he has been captured, wiped of his memory and forced to co-exist with other males in a maze that does not present an easy escape. He soon discovers each month a new participant is introduced to their habitat, the irony is none of these characters have attempted to find freedom from beyond The Glade; it’s as if they have conformed to the idea that they are to co-exist and live here for eternity.
Thomas immediately bonds with Chuck (Blake Cooper) and Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) who alert our protagonist that only runners have the opportunity to enter the dreaded maze. He gets into tiff with Gally (Will Poulter) who jogs his memory back.
An interesting development in the narrative is that the captors have the ability to find an escape through the maze during the day, but need to return by dusk otherwise the doors will lock leaving their fate up to some mysterious creatures.
It’s difficult to further delve into the plot without giving away too many details. Director Wes Ball does a fascinating job and staging the action and immersing the audience in a world that seems too far-fetched to be real, but you buy what is being sold.
The script is solid in my opinion crafting a unique bunch of characters where their motives aren’t always clear, but as the story moves forward things become apparent, as secrets are divulged. Let’s just say there are a few surprises along the way that will leave audiences reeling. The film sets itself up quite well for a sequel which is slated to arrive in 2015.
“The Maze Runner” is an unexpected thriller that injects bits of mystery that will captivate audiences to figure out exactly what the purpose of the maze is and its impact on the characters. If you haven’t read the novel you are indeed in for a treat with this stylish thrill-ride.