Film review: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (7 out of 10)
And while this Maze Runner sequel lacks some of the more subtle mysteries of the first film it’s far from a duff follow up.
The initial Maze Runner was a great story but finished on a rather strange and jarring note.
In the sequel we enter a weird post apocalyptic world.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAt the end of that first story a group of youngsters had survived the maze, escaped and were taken away by a mysterious group.
The Scorch Trials follows straight on, with the lads and one girl taken to an encampment, having been ‘saved’ from the evil WCKD group.
But all is not as it seems.
Thankfully we get to know more of the back story revealing that the Earth has suffered a cataclysmic effect that has decimated civilisation, destroyed cities, created a very unpleasant disease and stripped the planet of many of its assets.
Scientists at WCKD are trying to find a cure for the disease, but at an enormous cost.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe, mostly British, cast has been the main strength in this franchise with Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Kaya Scodelario leading the way.
But American Dylan O’Brien has also been very good as the main character, Thomas.
This second movie does turn into a cross between The Hunger Games and Resident Evil but just about keeps its own identity.
The action is non-stop for most of the time and there’s plenty of twists and turns along the way, plus some unpleasant shocks that rather belie the 12A certificate.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWhile the first film was much better crafted and had more going for it, this sequel has plenty to admire and enjoy.
It is set up, though, for what should be a cracking finale that, hopefully, doesn’t follow a tried and trusted route.
Film details: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (12A) 131mins
Director: Wes Ball
Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Screening courtesy of Horsham Capitol
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHere are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage
2) Like our Facebook page
3) Follow us on Twitter
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
Always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.