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“The Maze Runner,” a dystopian science fiction film, was released on September 19, 2014. Directed by Wes Ball and based on James Dashner’s novel of the same name, the movie offers a thrilling mix of mystery, adventure, and action. The story unfolds in a confined and mysterious setting, keeping audiences intrigued from the very beginning. With its captivating narrative and young, dynamic cast, “The Maze Runner” promises a gripping ride for fans of the genre.
Plot Summary
The movie begins with Thomas, a young boy who wakes up in an elevator with no memory of his past. He finds himself in the Glade, a large, open space surrounded by towering stone walls and inhabited by other boys who also have no recollection of their previous lives. Beyond the walls lies a massive maze, constantly changing and filled with deadly creatures known as Grievers. Together, the group must unravel the mystery of the maze, find an escape route, and uncover the truth about their circumstances. The film’s fast-paced storyline and clever plot twists keep viewers engaged without giving too much away.
What’s Good?
“The Maze Runner” excels in various aspects, making it an enjoyable cinematic experience. One of its standout features is the acting. Dylan O’Brien delivers a compelling performance as Thomas, perfectly capturing the character’s curiosity and determination. The supporting cast, including Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, and Will Poulter, also shine in their respective roles, adding depth and diversity to the story.
Wes Ball’s direction is another highlight. The film maintains a consistent sense of tension and urgency, ensuring that audiences remain invested throughout. The maze itself is a masterpiece of production design, with its intricate details and ever-changing layout adding to the movie’s sense of danger and mystery.
The cinematography by Enrique Chediak deserves special mention. The sweeping shots of the maze and the Glade are visually stunning, while the action sequences are captured with precision and clarity. The movie’s score, composed by John Paesano, further elevates the experience, blending suspenseful and emotional tones to match the film’s themes.
The story’s themes of camaraderie, survival, and the pursuit of truth resonate strongly. The movie’s ability to balance intense action with moments of emotional vulnerability sets it apart from other entries in the genre.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Engaging Narrative: The movie’s plot is fast-paced and filled with intriguing twists, keeping viewers on edge.
- Strong Performances: The cast delivers standout performances, bringing their characters to life.
- Visual Appeal: Stunning cinematography and impressive production design make the film visually captivating.
- Memorable Score: The music perfectly complements the movie’s tension and emotion.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Character Development: While the main characters are well-developed, some supporting roles feel underexplored.
- Simplistic Dialogue: At times, the dialogue lacks depth, which can make certain scenes feel less impactful.
- Unanswered Questions: The film leaves several plot points unresolved, potentially frustrating some viewers.
Target Audience
“The Maze Runner” is perfect for fans of dystopian adventures and science fiction enthusiasts. Teenagers and young adults will particularly enjoy its mix of action, suspense, and relatable characters. While the movie’s intensity may not be suitable for very young viewers, it’s a great choice for families with older children or anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking experience.
Box Office Details
Budget: The production budget for “The Maze Runner” was approximately INR 420 crore (USD 34 million).
Worldwide Box Office Collection: The movie grossed around INR 2,100 crore (USD 348 million) worldwide, making it a commercial success.
Day-Wise Earnings (First 5 Days):
- Day 1 (India): INR 12 crore
- Day 1 (Overseas): INR 38 crore
- Day 2 (India): INR 15 crore
- Day 2 (Overseas): INR 42 crore
- Day 3 (India): INR 18 crore
- Day 3 (Overseas): INR 46 crore
- Day 4 (India): INR 10 crore
- Day 4 (Overseas): INR 35 crore
- Day 5 (India): INR 8 crore
- Day 5 (Overseas): INR 30 crore
The film’s impressive earnings reflect its widespread appeal and strong word-of-mouth marketing. Its success also paved the way for subsequent installments in the franchise.
Recommendation
“The Maze Runner” is a thrilling and visually stunning movie that combines action, mystery, and emotional depth. While it has minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Fans of dystopian adventures will find it an exciting and engaging watch. Highly recommended for those who enjoy stories of survival and resilience.
Genres:
Action, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
Rating:
7.189/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Dylan O’Brien | Thomas |
| Kaya Scodelario | Teresa Agnes |
| Aml Ameen | Alby |
| Thomas Brodie-Sangster | Newt |
| Ki Hong Lee | Minho |
| Will Poulter | Gally |
| Patricia Clarkson | Ava Paige |
| Blake Cooper | Chuck |
| Dexter Darden | Frypan |
| Jacob Latimore | Jeff |
| Chris Sheffield | Ben |
| Joe Adler | Zart |
| Randall D. Cunningham | Clint |
| Alexander Flores | Winston |
| Don McManus | Masked Man |
| Michael Bow | Glader |
| Jerry Clark | Glader |
| Michael Deville | Glader |
| Dylan Gaspard | Glader |
| Cory Gooding | Glader |
| Cazi Greene | Glader |
| Dustin Guitreau | Glader |
| Tyler Harrison | Glader |
| Landon Hazel | Glader |
| Gary Hood | Glader |
| Nick Killebrew | Glader |
| John Langston | Glader |
| Chad Martinez | Glader |
| Lester Millet | Glader |
| Sawyer Pierce | Glader |
| Weston Rachal | Glader |
| Bryce Romero | Glader |
| Johnny Stockwell | Glader |
| SanChavis Torns | Glader |
| Lane Westerhaus | Glader |
| Gentry Williams | Glader |
| Adriana Acosta | Glader (uncredited) |
| Duane Cothren | Conference Room Parent (uncredited) |
| James Dashner | Lab Tech (uncredited) |
| Mark Gibson | Glader (Alec) (uncredited) |
| Darryl Harvey | Maze Control Room Supervisor / EMT (uncredited) |
| Janet L’Aube | Lab Scientist (uncredited) |
| Travis Michael Myers | Glader (uncredited) |
| Zach Nichols | Glader (uncredited) |
| Tommy Sheppard | Conference Room Member (uncredited) |
| Andrew Varenhorst | Patient Zero (uncredited) |
| Carol Jean Wells | Herself Lab Student (uncredited) |
| Jeff Wiesen | Glader (uncredited) |
| Adrian Acosta | Glader (uncredited) |
| Jacob Deville | Dan (uncredited) |
| Sheldon Maurer | Glader (uncredited) |
| Seth Nichols | Lab tech Student (uncredited) |
| Seth Nichols | Glader (uncredited) |
| Gustavo I. Ortiz | Rebel Soldier (uncredited) |
| McKenna Pippen | Lab Tech Student (uncredited) |
| Giovanni Silva | Lab Tech #7 |
| Nicolas Stan | Child (uncredited) |
| Tony Vo | Glader (uncredited) |
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