The Maze Runner

So here it is my first official blog about an actual film and it's a right old corker! Last night we went to see... 'The Maze Runner'.

'The Maze Runner' is a young adult science fiction film based on James Dashner's novel of the same name. This is the first installment in 'The Maze Runner' series which could spawn two sequels, possibly three, if for some miraculous reason a decision to split the final book is made. Hmmm, yeah, because that never happens (see Harry Potter 7, Breaking Dawn, Mockingjay, Allegiant). Also I should add that there is another book which serves as a prequel to this series and a second prequel in the works so this is a potential film series that could be around for a while yet.

'The Maze Runner' focuses on sixteen-year-old Thomas played by Dylan O'Brien (Teen Wolf, The Internship) who suddenly awakens on a grated lift with no memory of where he is, nor how he got there. He is quickly greeted by a group of teenage boys in the same situation; each of them having been there for varying lengths of time with no memory of their lives previously. After a brief freak out, Thomas is shown around 'The Glade' (a huge courtyard, complete with its own forest, that these boys now call home). By befriending one of his fellow 'Gladers' he finds that these boys have accepted their fate and are now living in a well structured community. There are even rules the boys have made which they must abide; plus a prison for those who choose not to. Thomas soon learns that the only way out of 'The Glade' is via the deadly and ever changing maze which surrounds them and is haunted by the deadly 'Grievers'.

Personally I found the whole film gripping from beginning to end. I was constantly kept guessing throughout. What is going on? Why are these boys here? Why can't they remember how they got there? To make things even better the whole thing is very well acted. These guys have well and truly raised the bar for young adult fiction film acting especially Will Poulter (Son of Rambow, We're the Millers) as 'Gally' who, more often than not, steals the show. My one tiny criticism is that I can imagine the book including a lot more detail going deeper into each aspect of the story. I don't know if this is how I feel knowing that it has been adapted from the novel but it may leave book fans feeling a bit disappointed. Having said that, the film itself holds focus throughout with just enough action set amongst just enough emotion and to top it all off it's very well paced. The result leaves us with one hell of a film worthy of another view and anticipating the next installment.

A solid 8/10 from me which plonks in at number 12 of 56 so far, just below 'Guardians of the Galaxy' in my '2014 league of films'.

 Watch 'The Maze Runner' Official Trailer Here