Watch Kids' Reviews of
MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE

This film is full of action from beginning to end. During the production of this film in 2016, Dylan O'Brien was severely injured on set. Because of that, the film was delayed and is just now being released. I'm so sorry about Dylan's accident and believe that the wait was worth it, as I love this movie.

This is the third and final installment of the Maze Runner trilogy. Thomas and his friends head to the last standing city to save their friend, Minho and take down the Government Association known as WCKD.

I'm quite a fan of the Maze Runner books, so I can vouch for the accuracy of this movie. Quite a bit of the story is different from the book. Even the plot of saving Minho isn't in the book. He is with the group in the book. However, all the major events are still the same as both stories involve taking down WCKD.

This movie is fast moving and heart racing. In almost every scene something exciting is happening. The film barely gives you time to rest. I feel like this keeps you on edge and it works. During some scenes I tensed up, with my fists clenched. The action is actually very effectively exciting. There are tons of explosions, and fire and gunshots. And they are all so cool. The special effects are really impressive.

This film is a dystopian story. The reason the world ends in this story is an illness known as the "Flare" that turns people into zombie-like creatures. The makeup used for the creatures, known as Cranks, is outstanding. Here's a shout out to the entire makeup department.

The acting is also really good. Dylan O'Brien, who plays Thomas and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who plays Newt, have incredible performances. I will not spoil what happens, but one specific performance from them had me in straight up tears.

Also, the city where most of the film takes place, known as Last City, has a very neat design. It looks intimidating, yet beautiful. It felt like Los Angeles, but darker. I'm curious if the director, Wes Ball, plans to do the prequels, as there are two prequels. I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. It comes out in theaters January 26, 2018 so be sure to check it out.

Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Based upon the novel, The Death Cure by James Dashner, The Maze Runner the Death Cure is the third and final film in the Maze Runner trilogy. It is a very satisfying conclusion to the series and wraps up most questions for fans. This film is very fun and entertaining. The one thing that disappointed me was the length of time since the last film, The Maze Runner the Scorch Trials. It came out September 2015, so you may need a little refresher course prior to watching the final film.

My favorite character is Newt, played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster. I have cheered for Newt during the whole trilogy as he brings so much life to the entire film. His character has depth and passion, but in a light-hearted way. I find him very relatable and, with-out giving away any spoilers, his character will touch you deeply during this final film.

The bond of friendship is a strong theme throughout the trilogy, but nothing has been as powerful as it is in Maze Runner the Death Cure. I love how the screenwriter, T.S. Nowlin, pushes each character to their limits, testing their abilities and gives viewers insight into their mindset and true vulnerabilities.

As in the previous two films, the cinematography is amazing. While the backdrop is futuristic, you do not have the feeling that everything is overly CGI. Even the fight scenes are pretty realistic. I find it interesting that the whole film was shot in Cape Town, South Africa.

Maze Runner the Death Cure is rated PG-13 for intense sci-fi violence and action. There is some language, but not much. If you have been a fan of the Maze Runner series, Maze Runner the Death Cure will not disappoint. With a running time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, it is a bit long, but there are no drag times. You'll remain entertained the whole time. I recom-mend this film for ages 13 to 18 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. It opens in theaters January 26, 2018 so look for it.

Reviewed by Tristan T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Maze Runner: The Death Cure is an action-packed thrill ride and the final chapter in the Maze Runner franchise. Although it never quite escapes the burden of underdeveloped storytelling, loyal fans of the franchise will wish to see how the saga is brought to a close.

In this final chapter, Thomas is going to the main headquarters of WKCD - the organization that has imprisoned kids immune to a virus wiping out humanity - to discover the truth behind its practices and save his friends. He will need to work with his fair share of friends and enemies to bring WCKD's wrath to an end. You will be lost if you haven't seen the first two films or read the books. The Death Cure picks up right where the first two left off with no recap.

My favorite part of this film is the opening action sequence, an intense rescue mission from a speeding train. All the characters are brought back in good ways and the action feels amusing and sometimes highly absurd, but still entertaining. This scene represents exactly what I was expecting and hoping for from this film: a fun action adventure film that would be an enjoyable way to spend two hours.

After an exciting start, the film's pace starts to falter. The Maze Runner: The Death Cure has many of the components to craft a solid finish to this tale: a likable cast of characters, some surprising twists and dazzling stunts. It has good action scenes, but they begin to blur together with little furthering of the plot or character development along the way. My favorite characters in the first two films felt like faces in the crowd. For example, Newt had brought levity to the generally dreary plot of these films. Here, he is left to brood like his fellow teens. The Maze Runner: The Death Cure introduces too many new characters and subplots to cleanly close out these films and seems to rely on explosions to tell a story more than a well-crafted plot and dialogue.

I recommend this one for ages 13 to 18 for some gross imagery and brief violent moments, as well as some moments of peril. I give it 2 out of 5 stars and recommend it mostly to the Maze Runner diehards. It arrives in theatres January 26, 2018 so put it on your calendar. Reviewed by Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

This science fiction film grabbed my attention starting at the beginning because of its very interesting plot and fascinating storyline. I was riveted to see what would happen at the end. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen because of the combination of topics that I love seeing in movies - the action scenes, the various unpredictable events, character's journeys, sentimental scenes. Since all of those points drew me in, I wanted to finally find out what would be the outcome of the movie. I was excitedly waiting for this movie to come out since it is the third film in the Maze Runner series. I watched the previous films when I found out about this sequel and was counting the days for this one to finally arrive.

The storyline follows Thomas leading some Gladers on their most dangerous mission yet, which could change everything. To save their friends, they must break into the Last City, a controlled labyrinth that could be the deadliest adventure yet. Anyone who makes it out alive and in good state will get answers to the questions that the Gladers have been asking since their arrival in the maze.

My favorite scene is when Brenda is helping a group of kids escape from the Last City and saving them from being in a critical situation. I love this scene because she is hiding in a bus with all the kids, waiting for the officers to leave so she can run away. But, the second she starts the bus, all the officers notice and start chasing her. Eventually, she finds herself trapped in a situation where she is surrounded and it seemed as if there is no way out. She steps down from the bus and confronts the officers, which seems like a stupid choice. Then, something happens which is completely a surprise. The solution is surprising and impressively successful. I love how intelligent and practical the creators and writers of this film are in making this and other scenes with unpredictable solutions possible. Once again, they leave me with my mouth open. I was so shocked that they were so logical in figuring out a solution that I couldn't.

The important message in this film is to always stay positive when looking at a situation. Sometimes the impossible has another way to solve it. In this film, the characters experience extremely difficult problems and situation. What sets them apart is that they never give up.

I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 as well as adults and rate it 5 out of 5 stars. This opens in theaters January 26, 2018 so go check it out. Reviewed by Alejandra G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

In the epic finale to The Maze Runner Saga, Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary last city, a WCKD controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get the answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze. Will Thomas and the crew make it out alive? Or will Ava Paige get her way?