Maze Runner: The Death Cure

In this epic conclusion to the YA trilogy, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his buddies have survived a perilous dash through a mysterious labyrinth called The Glade and a subsequent trek through a harsh desert wasteland, all overseen by a quasi-governmental agency called WCKD (World in Catastrophe: Killerzone Experiment Dept.). Apparently, they are immune to the deadly Flare pathogen that has decimated much of the population in this dystopian future. WCKD, personified by sinister scientists Ava Paige (Patricia Clarkson) and Janson (Aidan Gillen), has captured 28 of the untainted, incarcerating them like human guinea pigs in a laboratory in the shiny metropolis known as the Last City, using their blood to concoct a cure for the viral pandemic. Although Thomas is torn between two women—turncoat Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) and forceful Brenda (Rosa Salazar)—he is particularly concerned with rescuing his comrade Minho (Ki Hong Lee). To that end, Thomas and his Glader pals Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and Frypan (Dexter Darden), along with battered resistance fighter Lawrence (Walton Goggins), decide to break into the walled fortress, dodging mechanized spiders and evading zombie-like Cranks. Based on James Dashner’s bestsellers, visual-effects-supervisor-turned-director Wes Ball’s finale pays scant attention to character development, instead filling its bloated running time with visceral but often meaningless chases, shootouts, stunts, and frenzied action sequences. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by Wes Ball, T.S. Nowlin, and Joe Hartwick, Jr., and the production featurettes “The Final Run” (6 min.) and “Allies Reunited” (6 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are various photo and storyboard galleries (30 min.), a visual effects reel and breakdown (28 min.), the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Unlocking the Cure” (22 min.) and “Going Out on Top” (5 min.), a gag reel (12 min.), and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing final film in a lackluster franchise.] (S. Granger)