MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS

            *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

When I first watched the second film in the Maze Runner franchise, I hadn't read the books and really enjoyed this film. I thought that there was great character development and some exciting action sequences. However, I was disappointed once I read the book from which this film is adapted from. Despite being based on James Dashner's popular series, it looks like the screenwriters didn't even bother to read the book and just came up with their own version of the plot. For example, in the book, Teresa is never seen due to being separated from the group, known as the Gladers, and communicates with the main protagonist, Thomas, via telepathy. In the film, Teresa is separated from the Gladers but is reunited with them after about ten minutes and there is no telepathic communication. My point is if you're a huge fan of the book, you'll be disappointed with the film.

Despite not being anything like the book it's based on, it's still a good film on its own. If you don't compare it to the book, that is. 

After escaping the Maze, Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his friends must face their biggest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organisation known as WCKD. Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. By teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD's vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all.

I thought this was a great follow up to the first film as the characters have developed well and are even more determined to find out about WCKD. 

In the first movie, there were Grievers, now, there are zombie-like creatures known as Cranks. These were once people who have been infected by a disease known as the Flare which is spreading and the Gladers must find a cure before it kills them all.

Like I said earlier, this has exciting sequences throughout especially when the Gladers are being chased by the Cranks. The scene becomes tense and were not sure who's going to make it and who isn't.

There are some new characters added to the film, including Janson (Aidan Gillen), known as 'Rat Man' in the book, who, in the beginning, says that they're in a protected facility and that they're safe until Thomas discovers he's working for WCKD. This is what causes the Gladers  to escape into the Scorch. They don't know who they can and can't trust which makes their journey difficult.

Overall, this is a great runner up to the Maze Runner and a really good film to watch as long as you don't compare it to the book. I would say if you enjoyed the previous film, you'll like this one, however, if you preferred the book, you might want to give this film a miss to save yourself from being disappointed.

6/10
Read my review of The Maze Runner here.

THE MAZE RUNNER REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Since the second one in this series is being released next month, I thought I'd do a review of the first, The Maze Runner. I hadn't read, or even heard of, this series before I watched it in the cinemas. I thought it was really good with a unique plot and great action sequences.

Dylan O'Brien plays Thomas, a boy who has just woken up and can't remember anything. He soon learns that he and a whole community of boys are inside a maze and the only way they can get out is by sending 'Maze Runners' into the maze and find an escape route. Unfortunately, the maze changes every night and the Maze Runners must get back before the maze closes and they end up stuck there. What makes things worse is that inside the maze are robotic monsters called Grievers that kill the people who are left over night. Thomas then soon learns that the boys have been stuck for three years and they are yet to find a way out. Can he help the others a way out of the maze?

I thought Dylan was great at Thomas, he shows his determination to get out of the maze. I recognised Thomas Brodie-Sangster (best known for his role romantic comedy Love, Actually) who plays Thomas' friend Newt and sticks by him even through the hardest times. Will Poulter plays Gally who has been stuck inside the maze for three years and when Thomas discovers a way out and comes up with a plan, he is against it as he believes there is no way out. I think each of these actors were really good at their roles. 

Like I said before, I haven't read the books so I don't know how accurate it is, but I definitely think it's a great film on its own.  

I really enjoyed watching this as it has great characters and a unique plot. I'm eagerly awaiting the second one.

7/10
Read my review of The Scorch Trials here