As someone who liked the first “Maze Runner” movie, I was quite disappointed with this 2nd installment. For one, the element of mystery is gone. There’s also less suspense and tons of new characters. I’m sad to report that I couldn’t care for any of them. It’s too bad. Dylan O’Brian, who did a fine job in the first film, again plays Thomas, the trilogy’s hero. After having escaped the Maze, Thomas and his group of Gladers are now searching for clues about the mysterious organization known as “WCKD”. So far so good. But then they find themselves in the scorch, a desolate landscape filled with all sorts of obstacles. Been there. Done that (also see the “Divergent” series). It seems odd that a story that kept me so intrigued at some point would conform so rigidly to formula. Director Wes Ball and his group of actors try their best, but everyone’s still connecting the dots. “The Scorch Trials” only peaks towards the end, but then it turns out to be a cliffhanger, advertising the next episode! Talk about a cheat! I still want to see how the story ends, but so far, it remains a disappointment.

Rating: 2/4