[Movie Review]: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Synopsis:

In this next chapter of the epic “Maze Runner” saga, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers face their greatest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organization known as WCKD.  Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD’s vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all.

Review: 

In the second chapter of what is building up to be a trilogy, the Gladers continue their quest to find a nice, peaceful place where they can settle in comfortably. Unfortunately for them, the mysterious organisation, WCKD, is just as persistent in tracking them down for sinister purposes. As the Gladers seek to escape the clutches of WCKD, they have to fight the intense heat that has descended upon Earth, Cranks (those infected with the Flare virus and have lost their humanity) and those who wish to get into WCKD’s good books and will not hesitate to turn them over to WCKD. As you can imagine, this involves plenty of running and in almost every scene you will hear someone scream “RUN!!!!” They may have escaped the maze but they certainly have not escaped the running.

Thankfully though, the movie is not just about boys (and one or two girls) running away from their enemies. In my earlier review of “The Maze Runner“, I mentioned that I would like to see some character development in the sequel and my wish was granted. In this instalment, you get to see more of the boys’ personalities. Personally, I’m glad that Min Ho gets to demonstrate his courage and takes on a stronger leadership position (and has more lines beyond “Go go go!”).  Other than Thomas, Theresa also shows that she has the ability to think independently and actually opposes him in certain situations. While the cast gets to flesh out their characters more, the director wisely continues to leverage on their camaraderie, making you genuinely believe that this group of friends will never abandon each other even in the face of mortal danger.

“The Scorch Trials” is also extremely action-packed. There’s never a dull moment as you go from one heart-lurching moment to another while Thomas and his friends outrun and outwit WCKD. The action never feels forced though and you will find yourself fearing for the fate of this group of friends who are constantly in peril. Action fans will be delighted at what this movie offers.

While the first movie stuck quite closely to the book, the screenwriter and director have opted to take greater creative licence for the second movie in the saga. Although it deviates from the plot in the book, “The Scorch Trials” retain key elements of the book, such as the role the Right Arm plays, and stay true to the characters of the Gladers. This results in a movie that retains the spirit of the book while being original in its own way.

Language: English
Classification: NA
General Release Date: 10 Sep 2015
Genre: Mystery / Science Fiction / Thriller
Running Time: Not Available
Distributor: 20TH CENTURY FOX
Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Barry Pepper, Lili Taylor, Patricia Clarkson, Ki Hong Lee
Director: Wes Ball