A restrained maze thriller that intrigues but loses its way before the exit.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for The Maze Runner is mixed, with scores ranging from 40 to 80 and most reviews landing in cautiously positive territory. Several critics praised director Wes Ball's restrained approach to filmmaking, noting his avoidance of formula and limited reliance on special effects, while Shalini Langer highlighted his success in centering the story on its young characters. The film's build-up and action sequences drew appreciation, though detractors felt the pacing dragged and found the overall experience neither sufficiently entertaining nor original enough to recommend strongly.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Readers of the book have praised the film for being better than it, and there can be few greater compliments. However, Ball's biggest achievement is letting us see the children at the heart of this coming-of-age story.
Film review ·
Ultimately, the plot provokes you to think if 'being safe to suffer' is better than 'risking your life to look beyond the obvious'. It also convinces you to move out of your comfort zone and face your fear. The climax might seem underwhelming for some but the build-up is a sure-shot winner. Deserves a sequel...
Film review ·
Thankfully, it doesn't succumb to formulas and steers clear of cliches -- for the most part...
Film review ·
Graphics designer turned first-time feature filmmaker Wes Ball has done a commendable job in telescoping the story for the big screen.
Film review ·
If dystopian post-apocalyptic films are your thing, swing by at your nearest cinema this weekend...
Film review ·
Wes Ball doesn't rely too much on special effects although it would have been tempting to do so given the technology that is at disposal today. The Maze Runner is better than many of the mainstream super hero movies and is worth a shot.
Film review ·
The execution of the action sequences in The Maze Runner is the only redeeming quality of the movie. With Indiana Jones-style escapades and narrow saves, the director manages to absorb our attention nicely. Alas, they are far in between and short-lived. Just go with low expectations and you might not be disappointed.
Film review ·
...the film trudges along and leaves one feeling a deep sense of disappointment for having invested time in a flick that is neither entirely entertaining nor pathbreaking. Recommended only if you have absolutely nothing else to do.
Film review ·
The maze, too, is a letdown. Given that it's the central conceit of the film, one expects more than domino rows of big cinderblocks. Jack Nicholson's Jack Torrance, who so memorably stalked the snowy hedge maze of The Shining, wouldn't bat an eye at these drab corridors.
From our readers
1 rating · user score 3.0
dear all, This is a quite boring movie.Plot is not well connected.story is not good. But performance of the actors is nice. plus points art direction background score in few scenes only minus points boring scenes prolonged dialogue based scenes graphics work
Credits
Dylan O'BrienThomas
Kaya ScodelarioTeresa
Ki Hong LeeMinho
Will PoulterGally
Aml AmeenAlby
Thomas SangsterNewt
Patricia ClarksonChancellor Ava Paige
Dexter DardenFrypan
Jacob LatimoreJeff
Joe AdlerZart
Alexander FloresWinstonEnglish films like The Maze Runner
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