'Maze Runner' director Wes Ball takes us behind-the-scenes

23 Jan 2018

6 mins
'Maze Runner' director Wes Ball takes us behind-the-scenes

To celebrate the release of Maze Runner: The Death Cure, reporter Alexa joined the press tour to spend some time with director Wes Ball, who directed all three films in the franchise. Find out what Ball had to say about working with the young cast and developing big action stunts.

Thomas, Newt and Frypan are the last of the "Gladers" immune to the Flare virus that has infected the world's population. Against advice from their elders, they leave their camp base and head to the Last City where the headquarters of WCKD are located to attempt a rescue of their friend Minho, whose blood is being tested to develop a new serum that the scientists believe may provide a cure to the virus. But the city proves to be the most dangerous maze they have encountered, and their arrival also means confronting Teresa, who betrayed the group and began working for WCKD, believing the end justified the means. With an impressive neo-noir visual landscape, this is a worthy conclusion to the popular young-adult series.

Visit FindAnyFilm to find screenings near you, and discover more fun with Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario and Thomas Brodie-Sangster by visiting our Get Into Film Channel.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure is out in cinemas 26 January.

Maze Runner Death Cure Dylan and Thomas with Alexa

Alexa's Review

Maze Runner; The Death Cure is the action-packed finale to the Maze Runner trilogy that we were first introduced to back in October 2014. With a returning cast full of notable names and a plot filled with surprises at every corner, this film delivers a thrilling climax to the well loved saga.

The films picks up around six months after the events of the Scorch Trials. No time is wasted as we are thrown into a Bond-esque action sequence that will put you on the edge of your seat - with the rest of the film leaving you there for the duration!

The characters and the actors who portray them are, once again, one of the highlights of the film. Their chemistry is undeniable and helps lead you on a wild rollercoaster of emotions. The film truly does have something for everyone. Both Dylan O'Brien and Thomas Brodie Sangster really stand out in their final outings as their characters and they play them with deep emotional conviction. It's also nice to see the girls kicking butt and saving the situation every now and then, especially in a series that has also been particularly male-dominated up until now.

There's tons of fun to be had in the film, and the main characters are all given their chance to shine - however, ‘main' is the key word here. Some secondary characters, particularly on WCKD's side, lacked the depth needed for a truly villainous character that helps drive the plot. This is ultimately a flaw in the film and during the hectic power struggles in later scenes, the plot gets somewhat pushed aside in favour of action and uncharacteristic heroism.

So whilst this film is unlikely to be winning an Oscar anytime soon, that's not what it set out to do. It's a young adult dystopian movie where the action is fast-paced, the sad scenes are heartbreaking and the core character relationships are powerful. Allow yourself to be thrown through this whirlwind of a film and then decide for yourself: Is WCKD good?

You may also be interested in...

Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Film

Maze Runner: The Death Cure(2017)

Maze Runner: The Death Cure(2017)

Having escaped the sinister WCKD, Thomas and friends attempt to break into the Last City and rescue Minho in the conclusion to the young-adult saga.

0 Reviews

Certificate12

11–16 years 142 mins

Read More
The Maze Runner
Into Film+ Premium IF+ Premium

The Maze Runner(2014)

The Maze Runner(2014)

Stream on Into Film+ Premium

Riveting adaptation of the young adult sci-fi series about a boy waking up in a glade surrounded by a huge maze, remembering nothing but his own name.

369 Reviews

Certificate15

11+ years 113 mins

Read More

Viewing 4 of 4 related items.

Into Film Clubs

Into Film Clubs

Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.

News details

Want to write for us?

Get in touch with your article ideas for the News and Views section.