The Maze Runner: A Review

As someone who still hasn't read the book (sorry!) I had no idea what to expect from this film. But any expectations I did have were met and beaten by far.

Spec:

Title: The Maze Runner (2014)

Writers: James Dashner, Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers, T.S. Nowlin

Director: Wes Ball

Starring: Dylan O'Brien (Teen Wolf)

Description: (sourced from IMDB) 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.

Running Time: 113 mins

Review:

I absolutely loved it! The characters were realistic and believable. I love that there are two sides shown to every story, they are complicated, honest, kids that have been thrown into the maze with no idea of their lives - and it shows. 

They have had to quickly develop personalities that might be entirely different to their previous lives. And they have to grow up fast and work together to survive. Dashner did an incredible job creating not only a life-changing situation but also honest characters that react perfectly to the situation.

The one thing that did grate with me in The Maze Runner was the girl, Teresa. For some reason she came across arrogant and very stereo-typically female. Whether this was the aim or not, I'm not sure, but I didn't sympathize with her character as much as I did with Thomas (the main protagonist). 

My favourite element of this film is Thomas' development. He is a wonderful character because he is your introduction to the maze, so you journey with him. 

What makes Thomas so brilliant to watch and read is that he is conflicted. And he doesn't want to just sit around and wait for death - he's fighting for survival and I think that curiosity and instinctive behaviour is what makes him so relateable to the fans. He's the one we wish we would be in that situation - he's the natural born leader that's going to save the day. He's brave, fearless, stunning to look at even though he's living in a field, and he's fighting for his life. 

Recommend?

100% yes! I saw it with a friend who had read the books, and she said it was 10 for 10 with the first book. Everything looked the way she'd pictured it - and that's good enough for me! 

*Images sourced from Google.*