Jessica Pellegrino – General Assignment Reporter
Earlier this month, “Maze Runner,” a science fiction film was released. Part Lord of the Flies, part twisted “Pac Man,” the film is directed by Wes Ball and an adaptation of James Dashner’s first installment in the Maze Runner novel series. The film, produced by 20th Century Fox, received rave reviews from initial critics which attributed to “Maze Runner’s” early box office.
The film made $32.5 million during its opening weekend. This sets “Maze Runner” as the sixth top grossing film of September. “Maze Runner” is just the most recent in the string of dystopian Young Adult novels-to-film hit to reach the box office, including “The Hunger Games”, “Divergent” and “The Giver”.
The main protagonist, Thomas, wakes up in an elevator with absolutely no recollection of his life or himself; he only remembers his name after a few days. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies.
After 30 days passes, another boy arrives. The boys had reached a routine and lost all hope of getting out when one day a girl arrived with a note suggesting change on the horizon and everything was flipped upside down for the boys.
In general, the film is really capturing. It’s beautiful and for anyone who has read the book, the film truly does the maze justice. The special effects were bold and crisp without being overzealous. The Glade looked gorgeous and the maze, the few times we got to see it, was so detailed that the viewer felt they were inside it.
However, the problem that arises with most of these most of these films is that it’s easier for a reader to suspend their disbelief when they are reading because they are imagining the whole plot. In film, the weird maze explanations felt really awkward.
One thing that is significant about “Maze Runner” is how much time the film spends settling up the action. The viewer learns about the society the boys created and it’s all very resonant of Lord of the Flies. That’s one thing missing in the other dystopian films. They’re too concerned with excessive action that nuisances get lost.
“Maze Runner” did a great job of avoiding this flaw shared by the trope. The film was very conscious of the little details that will become important as the film series progresses.
The cast, on the other hand, was flawless. They truly translated really well from the characters in the novel. Dylan O’Brien, of Teen Wolf , plays Thomas. O’Brien is unbelievably baby-faced and innocent looking so he fits the role very well.
Kaya Scodelario, of UK Skins, plays Teresa and her natural beauty also makes her look her character’s age.
One of the worst things about the young adult dystopian film trope is the awkwardly and artificially forged romance relationships between the characters. For example, the focus on the love triangle in the “Hunger Games” is ridiculous.
“Maze Runner” very refreshingly avoids this absurd trend. The relationship between Teresa and Thomas is definitely there but the filmmakers did not feel the need to shove it down the viewers’ throats.
The film ends on a little cliffhanger that sets the reader up for the film’s sequel. The sequel to “Maze Runner,” titled “The Scorch Trials” is slated to be released in the middle of 2015, also by 20th Century Fox.
Photo Credit: BagoGames
