Page to Screen: The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner is based on the book of the same name. (You can read my review of the book here.) It’s about a group of boys trapped in the Glade. During the day, the walls to the maze that borders the Glade open up and the boys who are the Runners run through the maze looking for a way out.
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a movie adaptation that was less faithful to the book than The Maze Runner. The characters have the same names, there’s a maze and the boys run in it. And that’s basically where the similarity ends. My boys were disappointed that it didn’t follow the book.

Forgetting that the movie is based on the book and judging it on its own merits, I’d have to say that it was just okay. It was action packed and teenage boys will certainly like that. I was bothered by the plot holes but kids might not notice them. One thing I really liked is that the boys don’t use the invented language that’s in the book – shank, slint head, etc… They use mild swear words which I actually prefer to the annoying made up language. My boys know not to repeat those words so I was fine with them hearing them used.

Just like with the book, I don’t feel compelled to see any of the sequels but I will if the boys want me to.

This is turning out to be a full week of negative reviews – yikes! I promise my next review will be positive.