Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, film review: A frenetic, fast-moving sequel
(12A) Wes Ball, 131 mins. Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Maze Runner sequel is a frenetic, fast-moving film whose destination is unclear. Without recapping on the first film, it rushes straight on.
Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his fellow "gladers" are patients/hostages in a huge complex run by Janson (Aidan Gillen). They are immune to the flare virus and represent "humanity's best chance of survival".
Thomas quickly realises that Janson is not to be trusted and leads a breakout into the "scorch," arid wastelands inhabited by zombie-like beings called cranks.
The film is best taken as a teen Mad Max. Thomas and co race across deserts and through destroyed cities as they try to hook up with a revolutionary group and keep ahead of Janson and his henchmen.
Gillen is good value as the purring villain and Patricia Clarkson makes a sinister villainess. Some of the post-apocalyptic production design impresses, there is a tremendous set-piece on a skyscraper and the young cast tackle underwritten roles with commitment.
Even so, the latest Maze Runner isn't a patch on its near cousins, The Hunger Games and Insurgent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments