Maze Runner is an action packed mystery, based off of a book written by James Dashner, and is excellently executed by Wes Ball. The movie offers a promising cast of actors who deliver a successful plot but leave you with more questions than there are answered.
The opening scene starts with Thomas, who can’t remember his name or where he is, in a freight elevator quickly ascending to a mysterious place. They give you the minimal information possible and keep you guessing the whole time. Once you think you understand what’s going on, the movie takes a dramatic turn and leaves you with more questions. The whole time you are thinking things are going to start making sense or at least be explained, but of course Hollywood wants to keep you guessing, and takes pleasure in your confusion. The film crew obviously wanted to make a sequel by directing any answers to a later movie. That could be good for ticket sales, but leaves the audience frustrated.
The cast sells their role and you can feel what they feel. People like Aml Ameen play the role of a leader with ease, and then certain characters like Will Poulter really make you notice how much hate they are filled with for another character. Dylan O’Brien, the main character, really does seem to be curious when it comes to the tone of his voice and his expressions when he is explained how the glade works. Will Poulter was the best actor overall, because he put more emotion into everything he did and really set the mood.
To go along with the excellent acting, the combination of music and scenes equally match and make you feel as if you are there and experiencing everything the characters are going through. The music can range from hopeful to dark and scary. The sound effects are even better. Each sound seems to be real and convincing, and the piercing screech of the “grievers” during the night sends chills down my back.
The “grievers” themselves are created well, and the CG makes it seem as if it is reality. The maze, itself looks like it could really be towering concrete walls and the whole time you are trapped inside with the cast. It makes the whole experience worth the money.
The movie has almost a dark tone to it with all the gruesome “grievers” who seem to make every kill brutal. There are a few scenes of unnecessary killing and the death of some younger characters but overall the plot was well executed. Although the very blatant ending leaves you shocked and anxious for a sequel, which has already been set to be released as of September 18 of next year, I would recommend seeing this movie if you have read the book.