The Maze Runner

This screen adaptation of James Dashner's post-apocalyptic YA adventure novel serves up yet another dystopian survival thriller. Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) wakes up with no memory of his past, and finds himself deposited in an idyllic Glade with about 50 other teenage boys who have formed their own highly organized, structured society. The Glade is surrounded by a massive concrete wall with a single opening: a huge door that leads to a vast, multi-sectioned, ever-changing maze through which the boys are expected to run each day. Being trapped in the labyrinth is usually fatal, since menacing, biomechanical, spider-like creatures called Grievers roam at night; yet, a Griever's sting can also bring back memories from the past. Alby (Aml Ameen) is the runners' leader, while Gally (Will Poulter) is the scowling, security-minded bully. Minho (Ki Hong Lee) is a veteran runner, along with second-in-command Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and chubby Chuck (Blake Cooper). When Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) is suddenly brought to their encampment, Thomas discovers that the two share a telepathic link. Can they find their way out? And what's the purpose of W.C.K.D., the mysterious organization led by Ava Paige (Patricia Clarkson) that has trapped them in this bizarre, coming-of-age social experiment? Frantic and also all-too-familiar, The Maze Runner explores themes including friendship, ingenuity, bravery, and persistence, but—of course—offers no resolution, only a set-up for the upcoming sequel, The Scorch Trials. An optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Wes Ball and co-screenwriter T.S. Nowlin, a visual effects reel (34 min.), deleted scenes (19 min.), stills galleries and storyboards, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a “Navigating the Maze” making-of featurette (43 min.), Ball's short film “Ruin” (9 min.), a gag reel (7 min.), “The Chuck Diaries” character segment (6 min.), and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a so-so YA fantasy film.] (S. Granger)