The Maze Runner Review

Director: Wes Ball 
Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Aml Ameen, Ki Hong Lee, Thomas Brodie-Sangster 
Running time: 113 minutes
Rating: 12A 

A young lad is put into a deserted island with a bunch of other boys...sound familiar? No, it's not Lord Of The Flies, it is The Maze Runner, an adaptation of the best selling book by James Dashner. I know what you are thinking, ANOTHER YA adaptation? But you need to give The Maze Runner a chance...and here's why.

While we joke about it having a same feel to past literature, there is something incredible fresh to the telling of The Maze Runner. The dystopian way of living is often brought with struggle and poverty, but the boys stuck in The Glade are working well together. It almost seems like they are happy to be there, until Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) comes in and spoils everything of course. Even though he does not remember who he is, Gally (Will Poulter) takes a disliking to him straight away.

Visually The Maze Runner takes it to a new level, especially the maze itself. When we see the characters enter The Maze itself you can almost feel your heart pounding by how claustrophobic it can be. Wes Ball makes his directorial debut with The Maze Runner, and with the help of known cinematographer Enrique Chediak he brings this weird and wonderful world to life, we do hope they keep these two together for the sequel!

But on top of everything, it really is the cast that win you over in the end. The Maze Runner is like a worldwide who's who of young male acting world. While Dylan O'Brien is a great lead as Thomas, we can't help but be attracted to our British boys. Aml Ameen (who you might know from The Bill and Kidulthood) really shines as Alby, and Will Poulter has suddenly gone from the young tween teaching us all about white van men in School Of Comedy to being our big bad wolf in a big Hollywood blockbuster, where did the time go huh?

Is it groundbreaking where films are concerned? No, but The Maze Runner is a thrilling watch, filled with many twists and turns that will keep you entertained through out. But take this tip from Tongue Loose, scared of giant spider looking mechanical creatures? prepare yourself.

4*

THE MAZE RUNNER IS OUT NOW.