Formula that's done to death

Rating: 5/10 (30 November 2014)

Such a shame that the talents of the young cast were wasted on such a shallow film that spent too much time pretending to be something else. I scored this a 5 out of 10 because the cast was pretty good but sadly, the storyline was anything but. Ever since the popularity of The Hunger Games, it seems that movie studios are keen on the whole sci-fi + dystopia combo but honestly, it's done to death.
In The Maze Runner, I felt as if the story led me to believe I had gone down a rabbit hole when I had only been on a wild goose chase. The attempt at creating a mysterious and conspiratorial air didn't quite achieve the desired effect with audiences, probably because too much time was spent on it that when we ultimately reached the great reveal, the outcome was a tad disappointing and slightly underwhelming. I get that surprise twists are all the rage, but I was left feeling boggled and unclear about certain parts of the big reveal.
This movie is definitely a forgettable one but while you're watching it, that's not to say you won't be rooting for the protagonists. You may feel for the characters and be drawn in by the cool action sequences, but all in all, watching this movie is highly likely a one-time affair.
-POTENTIAL SPOILER-
The concept of a maze that constantly shifts/alters is awesome and it felt like the movie could have been so much more. Would have been nice to maybe see Thomas experience the frustrations of trying to get the lay of the land as a new Maze Runner instead of being the clichéd hero who miraculously saves (almost) the whole colony in just a few days.