The teenage
action/romance book craze of the early ‘00’s sparked a litany of film
adaptations. The ‘Twilight’ ‘Harry Potter’ movies benefited from the
enormous popularity of their literary counterparts. Based on the James Dashner
book trilogy, the ‘Maze Runner’ films have followed a similar path.
Whilst barely distinguishable from the rest, the series has had better
performances and focus. ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ is the final
chapter in the saga as it departs cinemas with lots of noise and angst
rivalling any teenage dilemma.
Still trapped in a
dystopian future where death stalks them at every corner, Thomas (Dylan
O’Brien) and his friends face a new challenge. Leading his group,
including Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) and Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), on a
final mission, Thomas must re-enter the Last City. A deadly labyrinth,
the city holds the answers Thomas and everyone have been looking for.
Almost reaching the end of their quest the chances of making it out alive
decrease as their strange world swiftly closes in around them.
‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ is an occasionally interesting
science-fiction yarn without being memorable. Whilst the action sequences
are spectacular and the acting is above average, there’s a definite familiarity
about it all. Moments rather than the whole film come alive with the
script leaning towards predictability than offering genuine surprises.
‘The Death Cure’ doesn’t particularly offer anything new although it neatly concludes
the trilogy.
Perhaps the lack of innovation falls to the choice of
director, Wes Ball, who filmed the previous entries. He shows little flair in
spicing up the narrative and leaves the heavy lifting to his stars. All
do their best amidst the usual explosions and death-defying stunts. But
there’s never a sense of true danger or tension. Much of this is due to
the pacing with the story needing editing. A long run-time doesn’t make
for a better film even if the characters are fleshed out more than usual.
Book to screen adaptations come and go like a rate of
knots. ‘Maze Runner: The Death Curse’ isn’t the worst but nor is it the
best. It falls somewhere in between, trapped in a creative purgatory with
innovation taking a back seat. It was fun enough while it lasted although
one hopes the next series of books receive greater handling on their journey to
the silver screen.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the
comment box.
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie
releases in Australia.
TRAILER
SOUNDTRACK
No comments:
Post a Comment