The Maze Runner (2014)

Directed by Wes Ball
Written by Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers, T. S. Nowlin, based on the novel by James Dashner
Starring Dylan O'Brien, Aml Ameen, Ki Hong Lee, Blake Cooper, Will Poulter and Kaya Scodelario

Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.

In a world plagued by mediocre to terrible young adult, post apocalyptic, Lord of the Flies-esque movies, where for some reason teenagers are the only people that can save the world, "The Maze Runner" sticks out among them. 

At least in the first film, the main plot isn't overshadowed with a will they, won't they romance. It is straight and to the point and doesn't play any games, even when a female character is introduced (Which unfortunately makes me think that all of what I just said will change in the next film).

It is also not filled with several plot holes, rendering the entire story unlikely like others in it's genre. It is a solid, coherent story that explains, or promises to explain everything in later films. Supported by several actors who are unknown to the average movie goer (not me of course), I found the story to be more immersing than "The Hunger Games" or "Divergent" which are filled with A-list actors.

Really, the only complaint I have about this movie was the protagonist. Thomas' plan was so solid and made so much sense that it made the character of Gally just seem like a stubborn bully who was backed into a corner. His defiance to the plan and everyone who sided with Thomas seemed immature in a world where even the youngest of characters were logically thinking human beings.

Despite this slight annoyance, the filmmakers did a great job at keeping the tempo up. There was seldom a dull moment. And the action scenes were nail biters where I legitimately didn't know what was going to happen, unlike it's more popular counterparts which are extremely predictable.

I didn't have much hope for this movie while it was in theaters. Which is why I waited until now to watch it. But it surprised me. It was much better than I anticipated and it got me more excited for the next one. "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" opens in theaters September 18th.

My Rating: 7/10

Maggie (2015)

Directed by Henry Hobson
Written by John Scott 3
Starring Arnold Schwartzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson and Jodie Moore

A teenage girl in the Midwest becomes infected by an outbreak of a disease that slowly turns the infected into cannibalistic zombies. During her transformation, her loving father stays by her side, refusing to give up hope.

In an unequivocally valiant effort, Arnold Schwartzenegger gives a shot at a straight drama. No over the top action. No ridiculous comedic scenarios. Just straight drama. And as much I was praying that he would showcase some real acting chops, I feel his ambitions were slightly naive.

His performance isn't terrible, mind you. In fact, it's on par with everyone else in the film. The portrayals of people living in a disease infected world are mediocre across the board. No one shows any deep, intense emotions. Live deliveries are weak and unbelievable. And everyone seems to be trying to cry the entire time, without success.

The movie itself isn't bad. The story is interesting. Overplayed, perhaps, but interesting nonetheless. I do feel as though they could have added more development in the beginning. They jump into the plot very quickly and never look back to explain things or enlighten the audience to what has happened beforehand. It's a movie I enjoyed once. But I really think it could have been better with a different cast.

My Rating: 6/10

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie
Written by Terry Hayes and George Miller
Starring Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Robert Grubb and Angelo Rossitto

After being banished from a town in the desert and forced to travel through the dry wasteland with no provisions, a former Australian Policeman is rescued by a tribe of children who inhabit an oasis in the center of an apocalyptic dystopia.

It is remarkable how three films in the same series can be so similar, yet so unique in their own way. To the point where it feels as though they are different stories set in the same universe.

The second movie of this series completely abandoned any form of civilization that the first film had established. And in this third movie, civilization has begun to grow again. It’s almost like a complete evolutionary cycle revolving around the destruction and rebirth of man.

As it has already proven to be a fun and enjoyable action series, the final chapter (at least until this May) is no different. Filled with intense chase sequences, interesting characters and remarkable machines, it still holds up as a great adventure, even by today’s standards. And while there is undoubtedly little gasoline and water in this world, there is definitely no shortage of hairspray.

The 80s were a much simpler time.

What I love most about this movie series is each film’s ability to completely ignore its predecessor, while at the same time flow as a single, coherent story. That and the ridiculous, over-the-top style. In a civilization where mohawks are apparently uniform for law enforcement, this film delivers exactly what it promises: Action. Violence. Australian accents. It doesn’t try to be anything else, and that makes it oh so sweet.

My Rating: 7/10

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

Directed by George Miller
Written by Terry Hayes, George Miller and Brian Hannant
Starring Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Vernon Wells and Kjell Nilsson

In the post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland, a cynical drifter agrees to help a small, gasoline rich community escape a band of bandits.

An apocalyptic dystopia, this movie (and to a lesser extent, the first one) created a genre. Whether you consider it an achievement or not, without this film there would be no "Waterworld" or "Doomsday", among many other films inspired by the wasteland that George Miller created.

This action-packed thriller has a simple formula. Blood, car crashes and explosions. And quite frankly, that's all this movie needs. With a climax that rivals even the most advanced car chase movies of the modern day, the scale of this picture is not only impressive for it's time, but today as well.

And an S&M-esque beefcake of a villain… There's a lot of ass-less chaps in this movie.

Though many of the character designs have not withstood the test of time, it is still quite an impressive achievement. This film will get your blood pumping and even make you laugh at how very 80s some scenes are. Overall, this is just a fun, action-packed adventure. And it got me even more excited for the new one coming out in May.

My Rating: 7/10

Bonus Trailer - Mad Max: Fury Road

Once again, Tuesday has failed me. I pride myself in the alliteration that is Trailer Tuesdays. However, it seems that all major film studios feel the same way, releasing trailers for upcoming blockbusters while giving out free tacos (probably), thus causing my trailer reviews released that very day to already be out of date.

But I say, "No more!". No longer will I be made a fool by showing last weeks trailers. I will stand up and say, "I'm mad as hell! And I'm not going to take it anymore!"

"Unless you have a job for me. In which case GIVE ME A JOB!"

When I saw yesterday's newly released second trailer for "Mad Max: Fury Road", I was excited. I believe whole heartedly that this will be a better, more fun movie than "Avengers 2". Yeah, I said it. What are you going to do about it?!

OH SHIT! DID YOU SEE THAT?!

Unlike "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" which is going the overplayed, dark and brooding root, this film is very obviously taking the we-don't-give-a-shit-and-just-want-to-have-fun-and-make-the-craziest-most-unbelievable-movie-you-ever-saw root. And I think they pulled it off.

This is not a face of someone who is having fun.

Filled with characters who's designs inspired an entire genre of movies, this movie is not afraid to go back to it's roots of the madness that is the apocalypse. Every character has a unique design and a crazy accessory on their costume.

Are those real teeth?

Including the gnarliest chastity belt that gives the medieval times a run for their money.

…. not worth it.

And a guy who totally can't see what he's shooting at.

Helen Keller is a better shot.

Seriously, take a look at these stills I grabbed from the trailer and tell me that this movie isn't going to make you lose your mind…

Wait… is that a guy playing guitar in the bottom left?

Yeah, I guess so...

OH, SHIT IT'S A FLAME THROWER!!!

This movie definitely does not care about reality. And that is what is going to make it great! It knows what it is and owns it to an extent where it goes above and beyond! I for one cannot wait for this movie. I think it has potential to be the best movie of the summer.

"Mad Max: Fury Road" opens on May 15th.