When Thomas wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys, he has no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D. Only by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze can Thomas hope to uncover his true purpose and a way to escape.” Google

I actually wanted to review The BoxTrolls this week, not only because every article I read says this is the stop motion film to see – Empire magazine even says it is worth the discomfit to see it in 3D – but because I am seriously only 12 on the inside and I just love the movie’s website! Unfortunately, woman does not live by popcorn alone and I have a full time job … and it is only showing in the mornings until school gets out at the end of the week.

If you see it please let me know what it is like?

And so to The Maze Runner but before I start – every synopsis I have read sits on a line between slightly and wildly inaccurate. The boys are not trapped in a maze, they live in a glade at the centre of a maze containing such horrors that only the fastest runners with the best sense of direction are allowed in and they must return before sundown, when the maze walls shut, trapping any unfortunates inside. Until Thomas arrives no one has survived a night in the maze. So the boys have tried to make a life in the glade, growing crops, building shelters and designating jobs – a little like Survivor but with grisly evictions.

I knew it was based on a book, or a series of three books, leading me to surmise that I was facing the start of yet another trilogy (sigh) so my expectations were pretty low going in. I expected a non-fulfilling ending (check), a cast of photogenic young actors (check) and one enterprising one who stood out from the pack (check).

I did not expect to actually gasp or to lean forward in my seat, willing the runner to make it through the colossal stone walls rapidly closing in on him. I certainly did not expect to get so involved in the story that I would choke up at the death of a character.

But I did. Young Adult Fiction (YA) – 1, reviewer – 0.

I have sat through (and enjoyed) Harry, Katniss and Tris’ adventures and I have read more YA-yas that I care to admit so I thought I would cruise through this. However my B.T.D.T. t-shirt will have to stay in the ironing basket, I was hooked. Don’t misunderstand – the plot was pretty much what I thought it would be but how this is presented is a thrill.

As a graphic artist director Wes Ball’s CV is impressive (particularly for me as the words ‘star’ and ‘trek’ occur regularly) but his work as a director is slim. Skinny even. Actually, this is his first feature.

Not surprisingly, with his background, the glade and the maze look stunning and the creatures (grievers) are the stuff of Guillermo Del Toro fuelled nightmares. What did surprise me was his deftness with the action sequences – rapid movement and confusing, close-up shots make the griever attacks quite frightening. In fact, I would suggest this is a film for older teens rather than primary schoolers. The director’s light touch with his young actors also makes me very keen to see where he goes from here.

The cast are talented but not household names, although most will recognise Thomas Brodie-Sangster from Love Actually/Game of Thrones/Nowhere Boy/Doctor Who. Teen Wolf alumni Dylan O’Brien, who is an interesting cross between Dave Franco and Logan Lerman, plays Thomas. Other actors include Eustace from Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the young Cecil Gaynes from The Butler, a girl from Skins and the wonderful Patricia Clarkson in a small but telling role.

All talented but not a celebrity amongst them. Maybe that is part of what makes this film so involving, I was not conscious of watching any stars, so I focused on the story instead.

I actually found myself wondering what it all meant and imagining reasons for the maze as I drove to work this morning. I will be lining up to see the sequel.