Plot
Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.
Release Year: 2014
Rating: 8.0/10 (2,461 voted)
Critic's Score: 60/100
Director: Wes Ball
Stars: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter
Storyline
Thomas wakes up in an elevator, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies. A new boy arrives every 30 days. The original group has been in "The Glade" for two years, trying to find a way to escape through the Maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope. Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and their world begins to change. There are some great, fast-paced action scenes, particularly those involving the nightmarish Grievers who plague the boys.
Writers: Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers
Cast: Dylan O'Brien -
Thomas
Aml Ameen -
Alby
Ki Hong Lee -
Minho
Blake Cooper -
Chuck
Thomas Brodie-Sangster -
Newt
Will Poulter -
Gally
Dexter Darden -
Frypan
Kaya Scodelario -
Teresa
Chris Sheffield -
Ben
Joe Adler -
Zart
Alexander Flores -
Winston
Jacob Latimore -
Jeff
Randall D. Cunningham -
Clint
Patricia Clarkson -
Ava Paige
Don McManus -
Masked Man
Trivia:
Catherine Hardwicke was originally set to direct the film. See more »
User Review
Author:
Rating: 8/10
Based on the best-selling YA novel, The Maze Runner is the newest, and
one of largest adaptions to arrive in cinemas yet. Comparable to The
Hunger Games and Twilight, it is in fairly good chances to be the next
big franchise. Here is what we thought of it;
Setting the tone immediately, lead star Dylan O'Brien awakens suddenly
in a very dark and eerie lift travelling from deep below the ground, it
becomes apparent that he now knows just as much as we do. The fear is
visual and quite real – and just like a young child on our first day of
school we are pushed into a new, confusing experience for the next two
hours.
Arriving atop the lift and unable to remember anything other than his
name, Thomas. He is told by a group of teenage boys that he is in a
field in the centre of a maze, called the 'Glade', where they all live.
Having attempted to find a way out many times, all they know is that
the maze is open during the day-time, and closed at night where it
periodically changes and is protected by fearsome creatures called
'grievers'. Anyone in there at that time has never returned.
Much like an episode of Lost meeting The Lord of the Flies meeting
Labyrinth, we understand narrative at the same time as Thomas, who is
eventually told that three years ago a young teenage boy first arrived
at the glade, and each month since one more arrives in the lift with
certain supplies to survive. Unknowing of why and unable to escape they
have become helplessly trapped there since. Similarly to The Lord of
the Flies, the group of boys, all probably aged 10-20 have creating a
living-area, created rules, swearwords and the imperative code to
'never go beyond those walls' - but as Thomas arrives at the glade all
seems to change for the worse, and many of the other 'Gladers' take
note.
Admittedly we had not read the book until after we had saw the film,
but from the very first paragraph we noted its book-to-screen accuracy.
Fans of the book will be more than satisfied with the minimal changes,
and any made are for the better.
The film, upheld by a ninety-nine percent teen cast, feels news and
many of the actors are in roles unseen before. Dylan O'Brien, From TV's
Teen-Wolf, provides an exceptional lead role as Thomas and carries the
film in both story and emotional trawls. Although new to the setting
and with the films entirety taking place over just a few days, he
comfortably fits in, although ruffling many traditions too. At one
point it is said 'I don't know if he is brave or stupid, but we need
more of him'.
Co-staring alongside Dylan O'Brien are equally exceptional performances
by; Will Poulter, in a dark tough-guy role, (and absolutely nothing
like his recent role as Kenny in We're The Millar's); Thomas
Brodie-Sangster stars as a fellow Glader; and Kaya Scodelario in a
surprise turn-up as the first female at the Glade - but also 'the last
one ever' to arrive. Although the narrative between them is conflicting
at times, the chemistry is smooth as if friends both on-and-off the
screen. Notably, we can confirm that the characters live-up the book
creations and are almost perfectly cast.
Evidentially former director/writer/editor/effects maestro, Wes Ball
uses skills from his previous work on this film and it shows and flows
evenly. Take note future producers, this is how to successfully make a
YA adaption, which surprisingly, is just as impressive as the book. Yet
unfortunately leaves us with far more questions than answers by the
end. Based on the trilogy by James Dashner expect more answers to
follow in sequel movies in the soon to be massive franchise. Or, you
know … you can read the books before hand? Ultimately, you do not have
to be a fan of the books, or even a YA to enjoy the film it, it has
something for almost everyone.
The Maze Runner arrives in US cinemas 19th September, and UK cinemas on
10th October. Be sure to check back soon and read our exclusive
interview with director Wes Ball, and leading cast; Dylan O'Brien, Will
Poulter and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Brace yourselves Maze Runner fans!
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