“The Maze Runner”: Box Office Hit

The Maze Runner: Box Office Hit

“The Maze Runner” is the latest movie based on popular teen dystopian thrillers.   Director Wes Ball provides plenty of action, suspense, and thrills in his first feature film.  The Maze Runner has been so popular, racking up 32.5 million in the box office over the weekend, that 20th Century Fox has already announced a sequel due in 2015.   The writers of The Maze Runner balance staying true to its source material while adjusting to the necessity of producing a movie.  While no classic, the Maze Runner is the best among its peers (“Divergent” and “Hunger Games”).  “The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials” should be an interesting sequel to watch for next year which could lead to a potential franchise.

Thomas, played by up-and-comer Dylan O’Brien, awakens to find himself trapped in an enormous maze already inhabited with other teenage boys.  The boys live in a central glade called the Homestead.  Surrounding them are miles of maze and threatening creatures called Grievers.  Thomas, along with the others, has no recollection of his past or how he came to be in the maze.  From here Thomas meets the leader of the group, Alby (Aml Ameen), and second in command, Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster).   He is quickly assimilated into the boys functioning but strange society and becomes enthralled with the maze itself, and the people who explore the maze; the Runners.  The Runners are led by Minho (Ki Hong Lee).  Lee, along with the other supporting cast, gives a convincing performance in a genre where good acting can be a rarity.

Far from an ideal society, the maze is riddled with mysteries that are revealed to Thomas and the boys violently and without ever seeming to lead to the truth.  The movie has a great deal of suspense that crescendo into a reveal that is somewhat disappointing but nonetheless engaging.   The movie omits several seemingly superfluous parts from the book, such as Thomas’ telepathy with the only female in their society, Teresa (Kaya Scodelario).  Wes Ball makes sound directing decisions and delivers a movie that, while not ambitious, has a “Lost-meets-Lord of the Flies” feel that is equal parts aesthetic appeal and PG-13 action.  Overall, “The Maze Runner” will have you engaged the whole way through the thrilling story.