"The Maze Runner" (2014) REVIEW

I have only read three chapters of the book that this movie is based on and then stopped. I didn't like it. As for the movie, well, that's a different story.

Thomas wakes up surrounded by a bunch of boys between the ages of 12 and 18 with no memory of who he is or how he arrived into this place the boys call The Glade. The Glade is surrounded by four large stone walls with only one way out, the entrance that opens once a day into the maze that surrounds them. Everyday, Runners go into the maze, trying to find a way out, but all efforts seems lost because the maze changes constantly overnight, with creatures known as Grievers prowling it. However, things soon go further downhill after Thomas's appearance, including the arrival of a girl that seems to remember Thomas by name. Taken over by curiosity, Thomas breaks the rules the boys have set in place to find a way out through the maze. Unfortunately, he manages to threaten their lives in the process.

The Maze Runner is the latest addition to the cinematic Young Adult Dystopia genre, but this time it's more focused on the male demographic. The movie is well-paced, keeping you at the edge of your seat the whole time. The plot keeps itself complex, not dumbing it down at any moment to detract from the gripping pace and keeping you guessing throughout. The acting is also an accomplishing feat, making all the characters feel real and keeps you glued to the screen, hoping against all odds that they accomplish their goal.

Like I mentioned earlier, I have only read the first three chapters of the book. I couldn't get past it's flat writing and dialogue. However, the parts did I read from the book are much more enjoyable in the movie, so I can only guess that this is one of those rare times where the movie is better than the book.

Gripping, complex, and ending at just the right spot to get you excited for the sequel, The Maze Runner is certainly a thriller worth watching!

4/5 Stars

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