Maze Runner: The Death Cure
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 answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze.
Hakihiko reviewed
January 18, 2025•
A (Visual) Spectacular Yet Uneven Finale
"Maze Runner: The Death Cure" concludes the trilogy with a high-stakes, action-packed finale that delivers on spectacle but struggles with pacing and emotional depth. While the film attempts to wrap up the series' overarching storylines, it often sacrifices character development and narrative coherence for bombastic action sequences.
The movie's strengths lie in its visual effects and ambitious set pieces. The opening train rescue sets an exciting tone, and the climactic infiltration of WCKD's stronghold is thrilling, showcasing Wes Ball's talent for crafting intense action. Dylan O'Brien continues to lead the cast effectively as Thomas, and the chemistry among the returning ensemble-Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, and Ki Hong Lee-remains strong, adding some heart to the chaos.
However, the plot feels overstuffed, juggling too many subplots and characters without giving any of them the attention they deserve. Teresa's redemption arc feels rushed, and the motivations of key players often lack clarity. The film also suffers from its lengthy runtime, with slower moments that disrupt the pacing and make the story feel stretched.
The emotional stakes, particularly in terms of character deaths and resolutions, lack the weight they should have. Some moments aim for poignancy but feel underwhelming due to the lack of build-up or depth.
Overall, "The Death Cure" offers an entertaining conclusion for fans of the series but fails to elevate itself beyond a standard action film. It wraps up loose ends but doesn't provide the satisfying payoff that a trilogy finale should. While enjoyable in parts, it leaves a sense of missed potential.