The Maze Runner (2014)

Based on the novel by James Dashner, this film - the first part of a trilogy (I will be reviewing the other films in due course) - has an incredibly interesting concept, and I look forward to seeing how it will play out over the next two films.

A teenage boy named Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) comes to, finding himself in a metal cage that is moving upwards, like an elevator. It comes to a stop, and the top peels back, and he finds himself in the midst of a large number of other boys, curiously staring down at him.

The apparent 'leader' of this group, Alby (Aml Ameen), introduces himself and explains how life works in this group: everyone has their place and their role in this new society; once a month, a new person comes up in the cage (along with the month's ration of food); there is a large maze that only so-called 'runners' are allowed to enter; and, unsettlingly, no one remembers who they were before they came to be here, or why they are here, or who sent them here.

Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) with the maze behind him.

Thomas learns from one of the 'runners', Minho (Ki Hong Lee), that the large maze - which most of the boys hope is their escape route out of this place - changes each night, the walls shifting and changing, so that it is virtually impossible to escape. There are also these horrible creatures known as 'Grievers' who guard the maze and have been known to kill before. It isn't until Thomas arrives that the Grievers begin coming out of the confines of the maze and attacking anyone and everyone.

One of the other boys who has been stuck in this place for years, Gally (Will Poulter), is convinced Thomas isn't all he seems. It doesn't help that Thomas - like everyone else - can't remember who he was before finding himself here. But when the cage rises again after only one day, with not only the first girl (Kaya Scodelario) to ever enter this society, but also a note that reads 'She's the last one EVER' - and she remembers who Thomas is, things get much worse very quickly.

The screenplay, written by Noah Oppenheim and Grant Pierce Myers and T. S. Nowlin from Dashner's novel, is very well-written. I haven't read the book, so I can't comment on the quality of the adaptation itself. I think having seen the film, I would enjoy the book; the plot is very well-constructed, and the characters clearly defined. The many twists and turns of both character and plot as the film progresses are interesting and usually unexpected, which make for an interesting and rewarding viewer experience.

The maze, which changes overnight, and even seals itself shut each night at sundown.

John Paesano's original score is mainly used to highlight the psychological nature of the film as opposed to the physical on-screen action. The music doesn't feel cliched, however, but suits the film very well and doesn't sound the same as every other film score in the same genre.

Enrique Chediak's cinematography is a very strong and vital part of this film. The contrast between light and dark is very strong, and the use of shadow - particularly in sequences that take place within the maze itself - is handled beautifully. Coupled with the production design - courtesy of Marc Fisichella - that gives us a terrifying inanimate antagonist in the maze, the camera angles and choices of lens make these moments truly terrifying.

The performances of the cast, most of whom are teenagers, are fantastic and truly add to the realism and threat of the film. O'Brien is definitely the standout; it is from his point-of-view that we experience the world and little by little come to understand what is going on here. This is a role - and a responsibility - that he takes on and carries well.

The first girl (Kaya Scodelario) and the last ever person to come up in the cage.

Will Poulter - as an antagonist of sorts - also does very well in his role, keeping true to his own convictions at all times; there is a lot more going on behind his eyes than just what's taking place on the surface.

Director Wes Ball has made quite a good film here, and I - as I mentioned earlier - look forward to seeing how the trilogy plays out. I would recommend this film, even if you haven't read the book; it's quite good, and I would happily watch it again.

7 1/2 out of 10.

127 Hours (2010)

Based on the book 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' by Aron Ralston, this film tells the true story of a man who spent - you guessed it - 127 hours with his arm trapped under a rock.

Aron (James Franco) is an intrepid adventurer, and one Saturday, he ventures into the canyons of Utah, planning to rappel down a cliff face. After meeting strangers Kristi (Kate Mara) and Megan (Amber Tamblyn), and showing them to the climb they are looking for, he heads off on his own.

While climbing down between two rock faces, the rock he is standing on slips beneath him, and as he falls, the rock falls too, and traps his arm against the cliff.

Aron Ralston (James Franco).

Try as he might, he cannot pull it free and, given that no one else knows where he is, faces the prospect that he will inevitably die here.

Nevertheless, over the coming days, he tries as many things as he can think of to free himself, while also recording a video message for his parents (Treat Williams and Kate Burton) in case anything goes wrong.

I won't go any further with plot description, you really need to see it for yourself.

It goes without saying that the majority of the film consists of only James Franco on screen, and he carries this incredibly well. It takes a real talent to hold the attention of the audience with only one person, but Franco is truly in his element here. There are occasional flashbacks to earlier memories, including the turbulent relationship with ex-girlfriend Rana (Clémence Poésy), and his close relationship with his sister Sonja (Lizzy Caplan).

Aron Ralston (James Franco) and Rana (Clémence Poésy).

The screenplay is written by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy, based on Ralston's own memoir. I have not read the book, so cannot comment on the quality of the adaptation, but the script is very well constructed. Again, with only one person on screen for the majority of the film, it cannot have been an easy undertaking, but the writers have managed to inject the script with plenty of action, and plenty of conflict, so that you will be on the edge of your seat from the moment Aron falls until the film's conclusion.

A. R. Rahman's music is barely present, but in a good way. At no point does any underscoring detract from what is going on on screen, but the few times where music is used, it is always supporting the on-screen action or, more to the point, the increasing level of tension and suspense.

Where this film truly shines is in its cinematography. Enrique Chediak and Anthony Dod Mantle have captured not only the beautiful landscape of the natural environment, but also bring us right into the action when Aron finds himself trapped. The camera shots are well balanced between the vision from his camcorder and traditional shots that take in all the action. But at all times, we are right there in the middle of everything, experiencing Aron's growing terror along with him.

Aron Ralston (James Franco).

Director Danny Boyle has truly captured the emotion and fear of Aron's experience here. Despite having seen this film several times before, I still found myself drawn in yet again watching it for the purposes of writing this review; every twist and turn in the plot shocked me all over again.

If you haven't seen this film yet, I suggest you watch it at your earliest convenience.

7 out of 10.