What happens when Hollywood demands a sequel to a relatively straightforward young adult novel like "The Maze Runner?" You lose any trace of the "Lord of the Flies" inspired social tension, and the rest is filled with YA clichés and zombie movie tropes, which comes with the expected "a zombie bit our friend" scene.
As the film starts, our protagonist from the first film, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), and his companions Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), Minho (Ki Hong Lee), Frypan (Dexter Darden), Winston (Alexander Flores) and Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) get a brief glimpse of the wasteland that the Earth has become.
From there the teens are wisked away by WICKED, the mysterious bad guy organization, and taken to a safehaven only to flee when the curious protagonist discovers something is not quite right which sets the theme for the entire film - young people trapped in an oppressive world run by evil adults. There isn't much character development and that's ok for viewers still familiar with the first movie but not so much for newcomers.
Sure, the first half of the film is essentially every YA dystopian story, but the true strength lies within the second half. Director Wes Ball brings the right amount of energy with rat-eating, mutant zombie plants, rebel forces plus we get Barry Pepper with a Gatling gun. Viewers are also treated to a demented rave with roofie aphrodisiacs, zombies on chains all hosted by Alan Tudyk. Ball keeps things moving at a fast and intense pace without forsaking clarity up until the very end.
But the question still remains, does "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" exceed viewers expectations or hit that Hollywood sophomore slump? Well, we woudn't exactly call it a slump but more like a slight trip or stumble. Whereas the first films strength lied within its simplistic plotline and unique setting, "The Scorch Trials" fumbles within the first half and picks itself up to finish strong. It isn't a great movie, but it has the right amount of action and is fast paced enough to keep you entertained.
"Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" arrives in theaters Friday, Sept. 18. Check out the official trailer below:
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