Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials – Non-Stop Action/Thriller, True to the Book
This second film in the Maze Runner series follows on the heels of the first film, barely skipping a beat with non-stop action. The film is incredibly intense so be prepared to be jostled. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B. comments, “The plot has many unexpected twists and turns that I greatly enjoy. It has tons of believable action and the anticipation keeps growing and growing.” Lainey A., adds, “As an avid science fiction fan, I couldn’t wait to watch this sequel. The special effects are phenomenal makes me wonder how they make each setting so realistic. If you love non-stop action, Maze Runners: The Scorch Trials is a very intense film that will not disappoint you.” See their full reviews below.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
Reviewed by Brianna Hope Beaton, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
The second installment of the adaptation Maze Runner is a very exiting film. The plot has many unexpected twists and turns that I greatly enjoy. It has tons of believable action and the anticipation keeps growing and growing.
Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers are finally out of the Maze and in, what they think is a place that keeps kids from WCKD, a corporation that put them in the maze in the first place. They are put there for experimental reasons. After, unfortunately finding out that the ones that saved them are really WCKD themselves, the Gladers run for their lives and their freedom while trying to find the resistance fighters.
The main reason I really like this film is due to the excitement and unpredictable plot line. While watching this film I always find myself wondering what will happen next and sitting at the edge of my seat. The visuals are very clear, elaborate, and actually draw you into the film. The characters have great personalities that are distinct and completely different from one another, which add to the overall success of the film. My favorite character is Minho (Ki Hong Lee), because in many of the scenes he is the character that has so much courage and, instead of running he deals with the problem at hand. Because of his bravery many lives are saved throughout the film. My favorite scene is at the very beginning scene, because of the simple fact that it is an almost seamless continuation for the Maze Runner. I always like it when the same scene for the end of one film is the beginning of the sequel. Just as a side note I will say, in order to really understand and appreciate this film, you should watch Maze Runner, before watching this sequel.
A message that I found early on in this film is that sometimes it’s better to follow your instinctual gut than other people. You just don’t always know who and what to trust.
I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 and for anyone who loves the initial installment of the Maze Runner. Families and friends will definitely enjoy it together. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for its excitement, visuals and great plotline.
This live action feature film directed by Wes Ball is an epic movie that takes you through a truly exhilarating adventure. As an avid science fiction fan, I couldn’t wait to watch this sequel. The special effects are phenomenal makes me wonder how they make each setting so realistic. If you love non-stop action, Maze Runners: The Scorch Trials is a very intense film that will not disappoint you.
While the plot is enjoyable, I do recommended that you want to watch the first movie, The Maze Runner, before watching this sequel. The storyline is quite complex and might be confusing to follow if you’re unfamiliar with the original film or book. In this film, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and the Gladers try to escape the organization WCKD whose main purpose is to find a cure for “the Flare,” a plague that turns people into zombie-like creature known as Cranks. The Gladers have to face new and unbelievable obstacles that come their way in order to survive in the Scorch, a desolate wasteland that is uninhabitable by humans.
My favorite scene is full of amazing special effects! Brenda (Rosa Salazar) and Thomas try to escape a “crazy” Crank infestation through a dilapidated city-scape. Having just met, they need to rely on each other for their own survival and that’s what makes this scene really special.
My favorite actor in The Scorch Trials is Dylan O’Brien because his character, Thomas, is very believable in this role. O’Brien is surrounded by a strong supporting cast of Gladers. Theresa (Kaya Scodelario), Minho (Ki Hong Lee) and Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) really portray their parts well and it seems like they all actually care about each other.
The Gladers make sacrifices and come together as a family to insure each other’s survival. The message is that people are at their strongest when working together.
The target audience for this movie is any teen that enjoys fast action, science fiction thrillers. While the movie only lasts two hours, it feels like longer because there are few breaks in the action. The ending of the movie is a total cliffhanger, leaving me on the edge of my seat and sets the audience up for the third sequel, The Death Cure. I recommend this movie for ages 13 to 18 due to its intensity. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars because it is well put together and the special effects can’t be beat.
This movie opens in theaters September 18 so don’t miss it.
