By Luis Rodriguez
Contributing Writer
With films such as “The Hunger Games” all the rage these days, it seems as if survival movies are becoming fan favorites. However, Katniss may have to put away her bow and arrow for a new group of survivalists in the action-packed “The Maze Runner.”
“The Maze Runner” is based on a novel written by James Dashner, and was similar to other survival movies. The movie was thrilling to watch even without reading the novel.
The movie begins with Thomas, played by television star Dylan O’Brien, “Teen Wolf” star, being lifted into a mysterious glade where a group of teenagers have been trapped. Every day, the group of teens must enter the maze and try to find a way out. The only way to survive the maze is to run.
Unlike other movies, “The Maze Runner” grasps the viewer’s attention with action immediately in the opening scene. Novel based action/adventure films seem to strive for the attention of a teenage audience, and the creators of “The Maze Runner” does so with its casting. Supporting actors such as Will Poulter and Kaya Scodelario bring their own flavor to the movie, making the characters relatable and the movie more dynamic.
The simple yet action-packed thriller is easy for the viewers to follow, which makes the movie more enjoyable to watch. Spoiler alert: with Thomas and his group escaping the maze in the end, viewers learn they were a part of a social experiment. After the group escapes, the first phase of the experiment ends. As Thomas is being escorted away from the maze, a woman announces the commencement of phase two. The ending leaves viewers with unanswered questions, likely setting up a sequel to the movie.
After the movie, it is easy to find yourself debating over which character you would be.
“I liked the movie because the characters resemble average teens, just in an extreme situation,” said Ashley Jordan, a sophomore education major.”
“The Maze Runner” finished off its first week atop the box office with an estimated $32.5 million, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. other survival movies such as “The Hunger Games” are not going away, which sets up a battle for which trilogy will hold the crown as the best action-thriller movie of its time.
