3 stars (out of 5)
The sequel to this-time-last-year’s first MZ (and the second in a trilogy, of course, as based upon James Dashner’s ‘young adult’-ish books), this lacks the simple, mysterious pleasures of the first film, with too many characters, too much plot, too many climaxes and too many answers. And if you haven’t seen the first film then spoilers are to follow, you fool.
The gang has survived the Maze, and Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and the others are now in a weird compound under the watchful eye of Janson (Aidan Gillen), who promises them that they’re safe. However, if you’ve seen the trailer (or you’ve read the books or you suspect that there wouldn’t be much of a movie if the kids actually were safe), then you’ll know that our heroes must soon escape with help from odd new pal Aris (Jacob Lofland), and enter ‘The Scorch’, as the title suggests.
And said ‘Scorch’ turns out to be a heavily-FXed post-apocalyptic wasteland where they’re menaced by sufferers of the ‘flare virus’, a man-made affliction that turns those infected into slightly less revolting refugees from the 28 Days Later films and has something to do with WCKD, again represented by the unscrupulous Dr Ava Paige (Patricia Clarkson once more trying to be evil). The young ‘uns also run into a small army of new characters, and they’re played by a host of indie/character stars including Giancarlo Esposito, Barry Pepper, Lili Taylor and Firefly’s Alan Tudyk, who’s the only one here who isn’t taking it all oh so damn seriously.
Directed by Wes Ball back-to-back with the first flick, this has moderate work from the youthful stars (especially the English Scodelario, who offers a fine line in intense stares) and rather more scary stuff than Part 1, and yet it all feels unfocussed, protracted and somewhat less than exciting. And never fear, as the last offering is on its way in 2017 or so under the title Maze Runner: The Death Cure, although surely Maze Runner: The Amazing Contractually Obligated Final Chapter would be far more fitting.
I Wake Up Screening 