Film Review: The Maze Runner betrays a disconnect you just can't shake off

The Maze Runner
Director: Wes Ball   
Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Thomas Sangster, Patricia Clarkson, Aml Ameen
Rating: ***

What's it about: Imagine an annoying upstart, a newcomer, disrupt the way things have been for about as long as you can remember. But that's just the thing. You can't remember when you landed in a glade, in the middle of a maze. There's no way out. Several have tried and perished. But this disruptor, name's Thomas, doesn't want to stay. He wants to get back home, wherever that is... And then there's this girl!

What's hot: It's undemanding. It doesn't expect you to 'get it', to predict what happens next. Like Gally (Poulter), the script knows its limitations and surrenders to the VFX and SFX when needed. A lot of the boys here are recognisable faces (Sangster is Love Actually's lovestruck drummer boy Sam, Poulter is unforgettable as Lee from Son Of Rambow, Aml is a Kidulthood star, Kaya acted in Moon and Clash of the Titans, Dylan is best known as Teen Wolf's Stiles) and that familiarity goes a long way in keeping you in your seats. 

What's not: Everybody loves a good game. Or a mystery. Or both. And sometimes, you're left wanting. It happens. Questions will remain unanswered. Some pointless moments are going to drive you up the wall. The IMAX is going to look sucky initially. It is going to feel unnecessary a little after. If you can, watch it sans 3D. And it's going to feel a lot like Lord Of The Flies. Or Goonies. Or both.  There's a disconnect here you just can't shake off.

What to do: Take a run. Solve a maze. Or watch this film. Whatever. Actually, watch it once.