It's sometimes quite interesting how they transfer some games that we played such as games like battleship and convert them to the big screen. Mazes are nothing new to us, we probably played this when we were young and had a pencil. So did the producer manage to make full use of this ever so familiar maze concept that we have in our minds and boost it into the big screen? Read on to find out!
Storyline 3.5/5
These movies with a fixed focus such as the maze in this case, will also have the free reign of how to go about fleshing out the background as well as the reason for having this maze.
The movie starts with the introduction to this new world but doesn't give any reason for its existence and what is really happening. It intentionally keep things vague and the first chunk of the movie just explains what is life inside the maze like. Then it moves into the maze itself and what happens inside before finally using the end part to explain the origin and future of the maze.
To prevent spoilers which is important because this movie is all about storyline, I have to be vague in my description and yet still be able to convey to you whether this movie has a good storyline.
All in all, in my opinion, this movie has a solid story in the beginning as it moves from situation to situation but towards the end, everything comes crashing down especially at the explanation of the maze itself as it hardly makes sense. Maybe book readers will find it easier to understand but for me at the end, the reason for this maze existence is strange.
Yet this movie still gets a 3.5/5 because of the fact that they have many different focuses through out the movie and there are various twists here and there that keeps the story engaging although not always logical.
It's a show with a lot of links that you might need to draw yourself however, and as such you may need to think a bit more then your traditional movie. As such also, the pace might be slower then the usual action flicks out there because remember, this is not an action film.
Characters 3.5/5
This movie mostly focuses on the main character as he tries to understand his past and what the maze is for and how to get out of it. This would mean that one character is also the maze itself and hence there is less time used for all the other people in the movie.
Nonetheless, important characters are somewhat fleshed out and if you see the movie itself, these characters are like the girl and the mazerunner guy which could have had more background or support for why they act the way they are. There's only like 2 characters with a bit more back story but at least all the rest of the characters in the movie are distinct in some small way which is good.
All in all, there are some characters that you will end up somewhat sympathizing which works well for this movie but they could have made it even more heart wrenching.
Cinematography 3/5
Its not an action movie but there are some good epic shots here and there. One issue however is that some scenes are particularly dark and also too close up that you don't really know what is happening which is detrimental to the enjoyment of the movie.
In terms of the thriller effect, its quite well done and will keep you strapped to the seat if the scene wasn't too dark in some occasion.
Music 3/5
Didn't really notice this particularly in this movie and have no recollection of whether it was used to build up suspense or anything like that.
Spectacle 3.5/5
In the aspect of storyline and introduction of a new world situation to the audience, as well as the usage of the maze which is the critical part of the movie, this movie did MOSTLY the right thing all the way until they tried to explain the presence of the maze. Fortunately this part is far into the movie which meant that it would be bugging your mind throughout the movie so it works in the movie's favor. Had enough twists also and is generally believable.
Did a good job of being a thriller with a lot of exciting and suspenseful scenes overall to keep the audience glued to the seat although there are sections which are somewhat slower and slightly too draggy..
Overall
Storyline: 3.5 (Was fine, believable and coherent with sufficient twists till the end when suddenly they tried to explain the maze in a very strange way)
Character: 3.5 (Focus was on the Maze as a character as well as the main character, side characters were somewhat fleshed out and you might empathize slightly but there is many room for improvement)
Cinematography: 3 (Thrilling scenes were generally well taken until the dark night scenes where you might actually lose track of what was happening which is sad and a waste)
Music: 3 (Didn't really notice this at any point of the movie but was not a detriment to enjoyment)
Spectacle: 3.5 (Movie focus was probably storyline but it somewhat crashed at the end. Still a above average thriller)
Overall: 3.3 (I guess it would be a fair score for this movie. Action lovers might not fully enjoy this movie unless you also like thrillers. Try not to expect too much with regards to a proper explanation of why was all these happening. You will never really know why even all the way to the end. Instead just try to keep your focus on the escape of the main character and how it is done. Try not to be too critical and you probably can enjoy this movie. It's pretty long too which is good in terms of money efficiency. You won't dislike this movie but it might just fall slightly short of being a fully satisfying experience.)
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