"Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" Review

Title: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Directed by: Wes Ball

Screenplay by: James Dashner and T.S. Nowlin

Year: 2015


My review of The Maze Runner is easily the shortest review I have written up to this point, and that is because there was not much to say. It was rather enjoyable and exceeded expectations. No big deal. But then the trailer for The Scorch Trials came out, and I was honestly pretty excited to check this one out. It seemed to have a grander scope, perhaps an even more interesting premise, and some good action sequences. Does The Scorch Trials surpass the previous installment, or is it another forgettable young adult romp?

Having escaped the maze, Thomas and his friends discover that they were not the only ones placed in the maze. Now, they face another test in the form of the Scorch, as they search for clues that will help them learn about and take down the evil organization known as WCKD.

The majority of the principle cast from the previous film returns for this sequel and they all do a decent job for the most part. Dylan O'Brien has improved in quality and Thomas Sangster is always a joy to watch. Aidan Gillen joins the franchise as Janson, the main antagonist and he does not get much to do. Most of his screen time is devoted to him standing around and talking. He is a man of words rather than action and thus does not come across as a true danger to our protagonists. However, Gillen's performance is very good. If you are familiar with his character on Game of Thrones, then you already know Janson. The characters are pretty much the same, except that Petyr Baelish is much more fleshed out. Giancarlo Esposito has an interesting role that I will not give away for fear of spoilers, but his performance is good and I wish we had gotten to know more about his character.

Part of what made The Maze Runner work was the mystery surrounding the events. There were dozens of questions, but hardly any answers by the end. Unfortunately, that air of mystery has been completely abandoned in The Scorch Trials as almost everything of importance is given an answer, leaving no room for speculation or thought. The first act, when Thomas and crew are holed up in the building is actually very well paced. Sequences occur in rapid succession and allows for a fun time. This even extends to the first few scenes in the Scorch, with some great chase scenes at the beginning.

But about halfway through the second act is where things really begin to drag. We wander with our characters aimlessly through this boring dessert with only a few places of interest. There is a hideout they come across, which is pretty cool and seeing all of these collapsed buildings forces us to wonder what happened. But these characters are not nearly fleshed out enough to warrant spending so much time with them with hardly anything of interest occurring. And by the time the third act rolls around, oh how it all goes downhill from there. The movie becomes very predictable and follows cliches that overpopulate this genre. The only event that comes as a genuine surprise is a detour into a drug filled party. It is so out of left field, contributes nothing to the plot, and is easily the worst moment.

Also, The Scorch Trials illustrates that the youth hold the key to a better future, which is fine. But that does not mean they should be running these societies. I really hate it when stories do this. Children are portrayed as empowered and capable of running small communities. The adults answer to the kids and it is just so bizarre without any explanation. Multiple young adult movies have done this and The Scorch Trials falls into the same trap.

Moving back into a more positive position, the action beats in this movie are very well done. The majority of them are simply chase scenes, but the execution is very well handled. The camera work is very intimate with the actors and the distance between the hunted and the pursuer is clearly shown. The chases are adrenaline filled and well helmed, even if one of them steals a moment straight from The Lost World: Jurassic Park. I will also say that the lighting for this movie is unexpectedly well done. Day and night look beautiful and indoor corridors are properly lit for good chases.

The Scorch Trials comes as a major disappointment. While I did not think much of the first film, I truly was anticipating this one after seeing the trailer. The action is fine and there are a few good moments, but nothing really rises above decent for the most part. We have good performances for weak characters, scenes that feel like an eternity, and a by-the-numbers third act. The Scorch Trials ends on a cliffhanger, and I really do not mind waiting to see the next one.

Grade: C