When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name.  His memory is blank.  But he’s not alone…  James Dashner, critically acclaimed author, has come together with director Wes Ball to turn Dashner’s fantastic novel The Maze Runner into a major motion picture.
    The Maze Runner is the first book in a post-apocalyptic science fiction trilogy for young adults.  This particular novel was published in 2009, leading to two sequels, The Scorch Trials, published in 2010 and The Death Cure published in 2011. Dashner also wrote a prequel to The Maze Runner, entitled The Kill Order that was published in 2012.  Set to release is another prequel, The Fever Code, with plans to be published in 2016.
When an audience reads a series of novels, then a film is made of said novels, the audience tends to be disappointed with the end result.  “The book is always better” is typically the case, until now.  Having read these books and loved them, I thought the movie was outstanding.  Someone who has only seen the movie might say it was perfect.  Sticking so close to the novel, I only noticed three small pieces that did not match the book perfectly.
Reading a book, an individual builds the characters in their mind, the way they look, the background they have been given and the story line they must get through.  The last thing a reader wants is to be disappointed in the actors and actresses chosen to play their favorite characters.  Dylan O’Brian who plays Thomas, the main character, did an amazing job capturing the boy’s curiosity, wit, courage and even fear.  Most of the cast did a very nice job, and while disappointed with one or two chosen actors, this movie was close to perfect.
    The Maze Runner was suspenseful, shocking, sad, funny, and of course, you can see a love story forming.  I give it 4.5 stars out of five.