Pleasantly surprised, but not totally impressed.

Rating: 6/10 (9 August 2015)

When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I had no interest whatsoever in seeing it. So I waited for it to come out on DVD and give it a try, since it focuses on the themes of the popular movies like The Hunger Games and Divergent. I was instantly drawn into the movie with a thousand questions already in my head. By the end of the movie, some were answered while others lead to even more questions.
To my understanding, the boys were put in The Glade, so that their brains could be studied in order to find a cure for a virus that seems to be wiping out the Earth. Doesn't it seem a little extreme to essentially banish them in the woods with their memories completely gone? Regarding Thomas and Theresa, if they were a part of WICKED, then why were they sent to The Glade? I'm hoping that these questions will be answered as the series continues. There are some plot holes also that I won't get into, but even with these plot wholes, the movie wasn't ruined for me.
As a huge Hunger Games fan, all these movies that come out with similar plots don't even compare. Yes The Maze Runner had a male antagonist, but the same theme prevails - society is controlled by a higher power, while one person rebels and defies all odds to defeat that power.
If you like an entertaining movie with decent acting, and intense action, this movie is recommended. I was entertained and on the edge of my seat, rooting for the main characters, and crying when little Chuck sacrificed himself. But, if your'e looking for something better than the Hunger Games, don't waste your time.