The Maze Runner - A Film Review

Hello! This week I went to the cinema and got to see The Maze Runner, a film adaptation of the dystopian novel written by James Dashner. 

***Please note, this review may not be completely spoiler free!***

As an avid reader (although my blog fails to show this right now) I found myself in a bit of a dilemma with regards to this film. I hadn't read the book, although the trilogy and its prequel are currently housed on my shelf, yet I knew what the film entailed - to an extent - due to booktubers reviewing the novel and some film reviews. Therefore, I decided perhaps I should find out what I'm missing and go see the film.

I don't know how to feel about doing this.

After seeing the film trailer, which you can find below, I found myself under the belief that it was similar to The Hunger Games trilogy. And I was right in a way. People get randomly chosen and thrown into an arena in The Hunger Games to fight to the death, and in The Maze Runner, they are systematically chosen to be put in the centre of the maze, most likely until death. There's clashes in both, and alliances in both, theres bad guys in both (The Capitol in THG and Grievers in TMR) and somewhat good guys in both. You get the picture.

From the reviews I'd seen, I went into the cinema preparing myself for drama, violence and endless tears. What I got was something else, and I fear that it didn't meet my expectations because they were seemingly high,

The film itself was very fast-paced and you're thrown right into the action. It is as if you're Thomas, without any idea of who you were before waking up in the box. I'm not sure I liked that. However, you see his memory unfold before your eyes and that is something that couldnt really be done if you already knew his past, so its understandable why the film starts with complete mystery. 

So, just as Thomas seems to be settling in nicely, after being attackedand going off into the maze, just three days later the community get a new arrival (which is odd considering they are meant to be once a month) - a girl. Which naturally rocks the community a little. From then on, the film really does pick up pace and before you know it, the end credits are rolling and youre left kind of wanting more, kind of hoping that they dont actually do the sequel. 

However, with the film ending how it did, you kind of need the sequel for closure.

Going in blind to that film, I have to give it an honest review, as I have no book to compare it with. I did enjoy it, although I left with a bad feeling inside me, and I don't know if that was just because it was over, or the film in general, or the final death (which does tug on your heartstrings). Therefore, I am giving the film a hopeful THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS.

The Maze Runner is currently doiing well in box office and is therefore still out in UK cinemas with numerous showings in a day. The trailer I feel is best to make you want to go see the film can be found below!

Have you seen the film or read the book? Either one or the other, or both, or neither? Please let me know what you think below, I read all of your comments and will reply when I can!