Review
The Maze Runner (Sci-Fi, Action) [Based on Novel] (2014)
Director: Wes Ball
Writer: Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers, T.S. Nowlin, James Dashner (Based on Novel by)
Stars: Dylan O'Brien, Will Poulter, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario
In the middle of an intricate maze-like construction, a society of boys has to find some manner of escaping a tranquil yet challenging situation.
Acquiring the rights to James Dashner's works in 2011, Wes Ball was assigned to bring these teenage novels to life. Similar to adapted features such as "The Hunger Games", it provides an opportunity for young aspiring actors to build upon their blossoming careers. Ball was chosen after executives saw his short film "Ruin", which featured a topic similar to the one described in "The Maze Runner" books. It was produced by Gotham Group, Temple Hill Entertainment, and TSG Entertainment and distributed by 20th Century Fox.
Waking from what is likely a drug-induced stupor, Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) finds himself without memory and surrounded by a collective of other teens; these children have formed their own society in a peaceful clearing they call "The Glade". An escape seems dubious as a massive concrete maze-like structure surrounds this open section. Everyone is assigned different tasks to sustain the settlement. Thus, this maze may only be explored by those assigned the task of "Runner", intending to scout its many paths and hopefully find some way out during the day, as at night, the maze closes and dangerous creatures of metal, bile, and flesh roam its passages.
Based on a series of teenage novels, Wes Ball allows its contents to be accessible to those who are less literarily inclined. Casting teens and young adults alike, it's an intriguing exploration of will, inquisitiveness and social posturing full of literal twists and turns. 
Contained within a calm glade, considering the story in place. These children have carved a home from nothing, unsure how they arrived and losing their memories. O'Brien's Thomas becomes our eyes and ears, discovering alongside the viewer what the situation is and, more importantly, how to escape this haunting structure. Its dynamics are formed around a tribal legislature, allowing those forced to inhabit the maze to provide some form of organisation. As many secrets, ideas and attempts have already taken place, much of Ball's cinematic depiction revolves around explaining its history, rules and many dangers. 
An inherently alluring depiction of survival in mysterious circumstances holds some unfortunate flaws that would almost imply a much shorter duration. As our insight through O'Brien's Thomas to this community of boys applies itself, there's little dialogue that isn't of an explanatory implication. True, it is a symptom of building a more expansive world, yet tiresome in the long run, not bearing much in between. In addition, the limited cast is unable to be given enough freedom to cultivate their opinions and attitudes, thus not allowing much bonding with the viewer.
In reality, "The Maze Runner", or at least its introductory film, only persists in a single character, which is the maze itself. Rushing through this immense maze at breakneck speeds handicapping itself and the narrative as a whole. I wish enough time were given to develop the characters that lie by the wayside, as the majority of supposedly vital children are simply background actors. If anything, due to it being based upon Dashner's novels, the intrigue of what is on the next page, or in this case, the next scene or sequel, provides the will to power through.
Verdict
A labyrinthian web of explanation.
5,5
