Movie review: 'The Maze Runner'

Keeping up with the steady flow of screen adaptations from young adult novels, 'The Maze Runner' is the latest entrant in the genre. Thankfully, it doesn't succumb to formulas and steers clear of cliches -- for the most part

'The Maze Runner'
U/A; Thriller
Dir: Wes Ball
Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter
Rating: 

There's something about films set in an apocalyptic future that makes us appreciate the way things are — no matter how miserable — in the world right now. That might not be the sole purpose behind creating such imaginative films but more often than not, they give us a glimpse into what could be the case some decades down the line. Hollywood, for one, has seen a fair share of such cinematic stories. 'The Maze Runner' is the latest addition to this genre and it does a commendable job of showcasing a fictitious world.

Based on a novel, 'The Maze Runner', is true to its title. There is a fabulous but a dangerous maze in place and there is a lot of running to do. Some youngsters are periodically sent to the centre of this maze and they can escape at their own risk. To top it, the circular concrete labyrinth surrounding the green habitat is built in such a manner that it keeps changing its patterns every single day. And we better not mention the horror that dwells in the confusing maze. Rules are already in place and anarchy of any kind is not to be forgiven. Here comes a chap who'd rather attempt to leave the place - even if he dies in the process - than spend the rest of his life inside.

Reading the novel will help you grasp the plot better. But as is the case with most book-to-screen adaptations, some nuances are lost here due to time constraints; this is why some of the characters' actions remain unexplained. It's only in the climax that the pieces come together. However, you can't take away credit from the makers for their crispy editing of this two-hour-long film. Predictable at times, the main plot could have succumbed to mediocrity but fortunately, it doesn't. The edge-of-the-seat suspense works beautifully even as the story feeds your curiosity. Although the young protagonist draws maximum attention, the co-characters too are believable.

Also deserving a mention is that one grand scene that involves the complex maze. And yes, you'd hoping that the makers come up with a sequel.

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