Movie review: Thrilling, violent dystopian sequel ‘Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials’ will appeal to teens
The poster for "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials." (Handout)
Dylan O'Brien stars in "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials." (Twentieth Century Fox)
Parents need to know that "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" is the second movie in the Maze Runner trilogy. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Parents need to know that Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials is the second movie in the Maze Runner trilogy. Based on James Dashner’s best-selling dystopian young adult novel, the film should attract teens (and adults) who are familiar with book series, as well as fans of star Dylan O’Brien, from MTV’s “Teen Wolf.” As in the first film, violence is the main issue, with characters being chased, shot at, bitten by gruesome zombie-like creatures and more. There’s a high body count as the result of shootouts, explosions and even a self-inflicted wound (the suicide happens off screen, but the shot is heard). This installment has more strong language (less “shank” and more “s–t,” “son of a bitch,” “dumbass,” etc.) than the previous movie, and there’s also slightly more romance — two characters kiss (they’re slightly drunk at the time) — though it’s not as prominent here as in the “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games” movies.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
“The Scorch Trials” picks up shortly after the end of its predecessor, “The Maze Runner.” Thomas, Theresa, Newt, Minho and the other surviving members of the Glade end up under the protection of Jansen, who promises them they’re safe from WCKD — the organization that held them captive in the Maze. The kids meet teens from other Mazes; with the help of a new friend, Arris they discover things aren’t what they seem, so they escape from Janson’s control. Back on the run, they team up with rogue community leader Jorge and his courageous teen charge Brenda (Rosa Salazar) to find the mysterious “Right Arm,” an underground resistance group that allegedly saves immune kids and deposits them in a safe zone.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
As Thomas, O’Brien is once again charming and determined in this faithful, action-packed sequel. The plot and character development aren’t quite as compelling as they were in the first movie, but that’s to be expected of a story where the main characters are mostly on the run. There isn’t much time in between fighting off men with guns and zombie-like Cranks to explore the inner workings of how these characters are feeling. But there are a couple of sweet contemplative conversations between Thomas and his crew, as well as between Thomas and his new friend, Brenda, ably played by Salazar as a brave girl who’s a good shot but is also vulnerable.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 13 and older
Quality: 3 out of 5
Positive messages: 3 out of 5
Positive role models: 4 out of 5
Violence: 4 out of 5
Sex: 1 out of 5
Language: 3 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 2 out of 5
MOVIE DETAILS
Theatrical release date: Sept. 18
Director: Wes Ball
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
Run time: 131 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13
