Featured
Film Review: The Maze Runner
/ September 19, 2014
Rating: M
Release Date: September 18th, 2014.
Boys, bugs, and a giant maze. Let’s go!
Set in a post-apocalyptic world The Maze Runner follows Thomas and his journey back to self-discovery, after he suffers memory loss and is dropped into a community of boys trying to escape an allusive maze. Each day they send ‘runners’ into the industrial structure, hoping to make it past giant mechanical ‘Grievers’ and come back with a safe way through.
The leader of the group Alby becomes Thomas’ mentor, teaching him about the system of ‘The Glade’ where they live, and the rules they’ve developed to manage the risks of the maze.
With scenes reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies, The Maze Runner does have a familiarity about it, but offers something new to the young adult genre.
When Thomas arrives things begin to change. He’s instantly intrigued by the complexity of the maze and its opportunity, and wants to find a way through.
As a young man thrust into an unfamiliar world, Thomas has to find his feet but somehow knows he’s been put there for a purpose. He feels connection to a Creator, and this sense that it’s in the maze he’ll find answers. He’s not willing to shy away from it unlike some of his processors, and his tenacity works in his favour.
His compulsion to understand takes viewers into a place where they consider the traditions they follow and the rules they absorb, inspiring them to challenge the status quo, not for personal gain or ultimate power – but for freedom.
The Maze Runner reminds us there is a way out of the complexities we face, and wants everyone to go along for the ride finding it.
It encourages us to approach challenges head on and seek out answers; Find the reason you’re here and follow the voice that says there is something on the other side. Know that you’re put here for a purpose by a Creator who hasn’t abandoned you, but who guides you through the complexities of life revealing your true identity.
The Maze Runner is holiday flick with more to offer than most, and a solid story for it’s fans. But do be warned – it’s trilogy territory.
7.5/10
More film reviews.
