Last year I gave the first Maze Runner film a two-and-a-half star review, mainly because it took so long to reveal its true premise.  The premise is much clearer in this sequel, also directed by Wes Ball, and this one is much more action-oriented.  It’s an improvement.

Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and a handful of his friends have escaped the Maze, only to find themselves protected with other young people.  But all is not what it seems, again, and soon they are running through “the Scorch” for their lives.  It seems that much of the world is obliterated and these kids offer some genetic hope for the future, so everyone else wants them alive and under their control.

I compared this to the Hunger Games franchise before, and I’m going to do that again.  Like the Hunger Games series, this one is improving a great deal once it gets past its confounding, violent premise.  Both franchises have evolved into larger-scope reflections of future society, which is for the best.  Both are antiauthoritarian in nature, for good reason, and both are well produced.  The Divergent series also covers similar ground, but less effectively.

What really works here is the non-stop action and peril these people face.  Dystopian movies need some realistic dystopia; this one has it. Although I still don’t care for the concept of the Maze itself, what has come next is compelling and intriguing, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  23 September 2015.