If there is one thing I can appreciate, it is knowing your audience and it is quite obvious the studio and producers of The Maze Runner had their audience pegged to a tee. In the age of technology and social media where the target demographics’ attention span is that of the average YouTube video.

The movie hits the ground running backstory be damned. The Maze Runner (adapted from the novel by James Dashner) relies on the tried and true science fiction cliché that all the main characters’ memories have been erased.
Fortunately, for all you storytelling purists out there, flashbacks scatted throughout the film provide some insight into the history of how the world as they know it came to be. Which is the only saving grace from being a typically forgettable summer popcorn flick.

When main protagonist Thomas (played by Dylan O’Brien) arrives in The Glade, he is greeted by Alby (Aml Ameen) a handful of coming – of – age stereotypes. From the outspoken bully who secretly wants to be in charge (Gally played by Will Poulter) to the scrawny Euro – nerd with a suave accent (Newt played by Thomas Brodie – Sangster).

As a side note, I was thoroughly impressed by seeing Will Poulter’s range as an actor. Most of us remember seeing him last as the TLC – loving virgin, Kenny Rossmore who belted out Waterfalls word for word in 2013’s We Are The Millers.

Also, I want to point out that Grapevine, Texas’ own Chris Sheffield plays the role of Ben, a runner.

Thomas is soon acclimated and accepted into the motley group’s makeshift society. Everyone has his job. Farmers, medics, cooks, gatherers, builders, and the ever plot integral runners. Runners are basically the explorers. Their main function is to scout the maze and look for a way out.

Now, to break up the monotony of pubescent sausage fest, enter Teresa played by Kaya Scodelario. An actress who looks as identical to that billy goat Kristen Stewart as humanly possible in order to appeal to the Twilight audience.

Later on after more angst and exposition, a siege on The Glade by these half – zombie – half – mechanized creatures, referred to as Grievers , sets up the finale of the film. Which of course, you guessed it, Thomas rallies the group for one final fight or flight dash through the maze.

All in all The Maze Runner accomplishes everything it sets out to do. This post – apocalyptic Lord of the Flies effectively establishes itself as the male version of The Hunger Games. Additionally, there are scenes that purposely play out to lead into at least one sequel.

As aforementioned, The Maze Runner scores big at appealing to The Hunger Games and Twilight crowds. I know people who are obsessed with high school drama will be raving over this movie. However, the film we have before us does nothing to go out of its way to reach out to the average movie goer and bring them back for subsequent sequels that are undoubtedly in the works.