Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), Newt (Thomas
Brodie-Sangster), Minho (Ki Hong Lee) and the rest of the survivors from The
Glade are final safe…or so they think. When an unbecoming Aris (Jacob Lofland),
a fellow lab-rat from another maze trial, places his trust in Thomas, they
uncover the truth: WCKD in in fact wicked.
The Story
Unlike the earlier instalment, The Scorch Trials is in fact merely based on Dashner’s best selling series. Although all of the
elements appear in the film, T.S. Nowlin unravels the bones of Dashner’s
skeleton and rearranges them suit viewers rather than readers. Although I think
it’s a sacrilege to the book, the film lover in me tips her hat off to Nowlin
in regards to his re-write to cater for the big screen.
Don’t worry Maze Runner Fans, all the bits and
pieces that made The Scorch Trial great
on the page is retained on the screen. My one disappointment is “the unknown”
in regards to Newt’s and Brenda’s (Rosa Salazar) character development. The rewrite
suggests different outcomes for both characters in relation to the original
plot for each character in the book…but I’ll leave it for Nowlin to decide for The Death Cure. Again…I’m torn. I like
the way the book pulled my heartstrings for Newt, but I also feel like the film
gives an extra element to Brenda…even if it means removing some from Newt.
Overall, from start to finish, I was at the edge of
my seat. It was like watching the first twenty minutes of World War Z on repeat – except ten-times better! My heart is
literally still pounding.
The (Additional) Cast
O’Brien, Sangster, Lee, Dexter Darden (Frypan) and Alexander
Flores (Winston) all get special mentions for their incredible reprisals. But I
think we should give some special mentions to:
Jacob Lofland and Rosa
Salazar for adding a few more dimensions to an already strong cast. Lofland
was a brilliant Aris in his portrayal of a boy who simply knew too much for his
own good. I loved that Lofland’s character was given a down-to-earth
personality in contrast to the odd and weak character in the book. Salazar gave
Brenda a very nonchalant, yet badass façade, which is very refreshing in
contrast to Scodelario’s half-hearted portrayal of Teresa.
Giancarlo
Esposito also gets a special
mention for his believable portrayal of Brenda’s mentor and friend, Jorge
(a.k.a “Horhay”). Esposito was menacing, yet endearing.
Cinematography
Much like the special effects in the first film, the
cinematography in this film is top-notch. Each shot was perfectly calculated so
that almost every scene had an eye-grabbing mise-en-scène to capture the
action. I was literally saying, “What a great shot!” every ten minutes!
Overall...the film stands on its own. The book
gives a bit more background information, but it is very different. So readers, don’t be too disappointed if it’s
not the way you thought it would pan out. Take it as is and let The Scorch Trials thrill you like
there’s no tomorrow. I recommend this film for thrill seekers and Dashner
lovers.
Next on sL: Pan