It was all done for a reason.....

Rating: 7/10 (6 December 2014)

A boy wakes up in an elevator with no recollection of his name, where he comes from, or where he is.
As he emerges from the earth, he finds himself in a community of boys, living in a glade. As the boy slowly starts unearthing memories, such as his name, Thomas, he also finds out more sinister things from the other boys about the place he's calling home.
The boys are held prisoners within the centre of a gigantic maze, and for three years they've been looking for a way out. And now it's up to Thomas to find that way.
But the road isn't going to be easy, as any who dares enter the maze finds himself hunted by the Grievers.....
Remember that film from 1994 called No Escape, starring Ray Liotta? This is the young adult version of that film, with an added maze.
Apart from the Maze, the narrative structure of the film has many similarities with that film. Imprisoned people have learnt to live off the land and have become a peaceful community. Stranger lands on their laps, and he causes a kerfuffle, which grieves some, but gives others hope.
That is the main structure of both movies. I haven't read the source material, and to be perfectly honest, have no intention to, but as a first episode to a potential franchise, it's not bad at all, even if it appears that every other month there is a young adult novel being turned into a film (thanks Twilight).
But this is a more successful one, the characters are interesting enough, and there is enough chemistry and angst between the group to keep the film exciting enough.
The maze scenes are creepy and suspenseful, and again, if you haven't read the books, the final act is really quite the surprise.
My only complaint is how violent the film is, so for younger viewers, the final third of the film could be quite distressing in some scenes.
But all in all, its a solid movie, and sets up the next movie leaving the viewer with much curiosity..