So, I just finished watching Maze Runner: The Death Cure, and well, I do have some mixed feelings about it. This film is the grand finale of the Maze Runner trilogy, and while it wasn't exactly a game-changer, it did manage to keep me entertained for most of its lengthy 141-minute runtime. If you’re into action-packed dystopian adventures, you’ll probably find something to enjoy here.
First off, let me say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this film compared to the last entry. The action scenes were pretty intense, especially the opening sequence which felt like a mashup of Mad Max and Mission Impossible. The chase involving vehicles, a train, and a rescue helicopter really set the stage for the adrenaline rush that followed. However, despite the explosive start, I had a hard time caring about the characters' motives and their complex relationships.
Now, the setting of this film is a bit of a letdown. Instead of the intricate mazes and lush post-apocalyptic landscapes from the earlier films, we get a rather dull WCKD stronghold city. The futuristic elements felt uninspired, with basic sci-fi tropes like glossy white labs and unimpressive monster designs. But the story did manage to build some decent momentum, and for the first time in this series, I actually felt the stakes. It’s a shame it took until the final film to really feel that sense of urgency.
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The cast delivered solid performances, with Dylan O'Brien leading the pack as Thomas. He brings a certain charisma to the role that keeps you rooting for him, despite the often predictable and cliché-ridden plot. A standout for me was Aidan Gillen as Janson, the villain. He really chews up the scenery and seems to be having a blast with his deeds, which in turn makes his character more engaging to watch. Unfortunately, not all characters were given the same attention – Walton Goggins’ role felt particularly wasted.
One major issue I had with The Death Cure was how it handled the series' ongoing mysteries. Many of the questions raised in the first two films were left unanswered, and the significance of the trials and the cure became muddled. It felt like the film lost sight of what made the original story intriguing. Fans of the books will probably be disappointed by how far the films have strayed from the source material, particularly with this final installment which seems to forge its own path rather than sticking to the novel’s plot.
TSHC Score: 6.5/10
Maze Runner: The Death Cure is an action-packed and somewhat satisfying end to a franchise that has been hit-or-miss. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the first film and falls short in terms of storytelling and character development, it still offers enough excitement and entertainment to make it worth a watch. If you're a fan of the series or just in the mood for some mindless action, give it a go. But if you’re looking for a deep, coherent narrative, you might want to lower your expectations.
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