“Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” hit theaters this weekend. Acting as the second installment in the Maze Runner trilogy, this film is one of many young adult book-to-film adaptations to be made in the current dystopian craze.
The Scorch Trials picks up right where Maze Runner ended. After finding their way out the maze, Thomas, played by Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf, The Internship), finds himself and the other kids from the Glade taken in by the WCKD Corporation. However, after uncovering a sinister plot, Thomas and his ragtag group have no choice but to launch a dramatic escape out of their clutches to find a secret resistance group. Once they bust out, they’re faced with the challenges from the Scorch, a harsh desert environment filled with dangers brought on by zombie-like creatures infected with the flare virus and climate extremes with the capability to kill. As they make their trek farther towards the mountains, the stakes are raised, the explosions are plentiful, and chase sequences abound.
As far as plot goes, The Scorch Trials is mainly composed of action-driven scenes that use explosions to propel the characters from scenario to scenario. The movie is so packed with adrenaline pumping chase scenes that oftentimes you may find yourself tired for the cast, as they never really have any time to catch their breath before the next peril finds them.
Because of this constant commotion, it’s difficult to establish a strong dialogue between characters. There are a few characters in the movie who seem worth getting to know, but are sadly underdeveloped. Though the movie does a good job of keeping your blood pumping, you never really get the chance to become invested in many of the characters besides Thomas.
Amidst the constant chaos and cacophony of cries, O’Brien’s strong performance causes it to seem at times as if he’s carrying the movie on his shoulders, especially during the scenes between Thomas and his love interest Teresa (Kaya Scoderia). Their chemistry seems forced and Scoderia’s character often seems like she is rather unwillingly hanging around Thomas and following him on his quest. O’Brien works with what he has, though, and is still able to pull off a solid performance.
Though aspects of the movie may be overplayed in today’s young adult dystopian film phase, The Scorch Trials still contains some unique elements. For example, those infected with the deadly flare virus, referred to in the film as “Cranks,” have quite a terrifying appearance, which makes for some thrilling scenes in darkly lit sewers and abandoned malls. The ruined cityscape environment, though a little cliché, provides a dynamic setting for chase scenes, allowing for scaling ruins, winding staircases, and near free falls.
This movie definitely has its flaws. It lacks a decent amount in content, but still provides plenty of heart-pumping action scenes. If you’re a fan of the series or of high intensity action movies, I would say it’s worth a watch, but otherwise, I wouldn’t necessarily say you should jump at the chance to buy a ticket.
