The Maze Runner

This review may contain spoilers!

The Maze Runner delivers what can be described as a teen novel adaptation that finally has a bit of decent plot to it. I would give The Maze Runner a 6.5/10.

The Maze Runner had some fantastic sets and effects in the Glade, the Maze and the Greavers; a really amazing visual style. The editing was smooth and heightened moment sof action or tension. The plot itself had a lot of mystery to it that made it very intriguing and nothing was ever really answered completely; which I found very satisfying after so many finite young adult films.

Dylan O'Brien, who played Thomas, did a great job keeping this film alive and basically remaining as a strong leading protagonist. Blake Cooper, who played Chuck, was a great younger member of the cast and really was the heart of the film. Will Poulter, who played Gally, was a fantastic antagonist; he managed to be a great brute and bully. Dexter Darden, who played Frypan, was a great source of comedic relief and could steal a scene with a subtle joke or mannerism.

Aml Ameen, who played Alby, absolutely nailed his role as the respected leader of the Glade. This guy really exuberated respect and confidence; he was by far the most heroic figure in the film. I wholeheartedly think he deserved more screen time and a better ending than what he got.

The music was a little bland within this film and the cinematography didn't seem very unique. The film itself didn't have very good pacing and the plot was still confined to the realms of stereotypical young adult novel adaptation.

Ki Hong Lee, who played Minho, didn't ever really develop as a character and really felt like he was filling some need to create a necessary plot device. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played Newt, really fell flat and did some of the worst acting in the film. Kaya Scodelario, who played Teresa, felt like some desperate urge to include a female character and she could have had such a bigger role than what she got; I hope they expand upon her in the sequel.