The Maze Runner is the latest in the recent string of teen post-apocalyptic fiction being brought to the big screen.
From the novel of the same name by James Dashner, The Maze Runner follows in the footsteps of The Hunger Games, Divergent (and one can only assume that The Giver is also going to fall into this category), presenting a world where it is up to a bunch of teenagers to save themselves, and society, in a dystopic reality.
The film is a mixed bag, with a lot of promise but some problems in the delivery. For starters, the script is pretty questionable. There’s a bit of a Lord Of The Flies vibe about the all-male adolescent gang existing on the borders of the maze in which the action is set, but the slightly hokey script lacks the ability to pull it off. Gally, played by up-and-comer Will Poulter, appears to be a douche for no other reason than the story needing a villain amongst the boys.
All that said, the film is a fun watch. The action scenes within the maze are totally exhilarating, like some kind of live-action Crash Bandicoot. Dylan O’Brien is sufficiently earnest in his role as Thomas, the hero of the piece, with the other young actors following suit and give generally solid performances in spite of the weak dialogue. The mystery around the maze gives off a bit of a Lost vibe, which is certainly intriguing, but it is a little disappointing to get to the end only to realise that this will be yet another series and a long wait is in store for the next instalment.
3/5 stars
The Maze Runner opens in cinemas Thursday September 18.
