Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your teen loved the first Maze Runner and is begging for the sequel, fine—but know what you're signing up for. This is a darker, louder, less thoughtful follow-up that trades the original's puzzle-solving intrigue for zombie chases and explosions.

The critics weren't wrong (47% on RT): it's derivative YA dystopia that borrows heavily from better films without adding much new. The action is competent but exhausting, and the story is paper-thin. Thomas runs, people betray him, repeat.

The violence is also a step up—infected humans attacking with jump scares, torture scenes, characters getting shot. It's PG-13 but barely. And the emotional payoff? Basically nonexistent.

If your 14-year-old is into dystopian action and has already seen Hunger Games and Divergent, they'll probably tolerate this. But it's not enriching, not particularly imaginative, and definitely not something to watch with younger kids in the room. It's fine as a one-time watch for the right age, but don't expect much beyond spectacle.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ who can handle intense action violence and dark themes. The 13+ rating is technically accurate but this pushes boundaries with jump scares, torture, and relentless grimness. Not for sensitive viewers or younger siblings.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

This sequel doubles down on dystopian violence and paranoia with minimal emotional balance. The tone is relentlessly grim—zombie-like 'Cranks' attack, characters are captured and tortured, trust is constantly broken. There's little modeling of healthy cooperation beyond 'survive together,' and the pacing is frenetic chase-to-chase. The first film had some camaraderie; this one is mostly running and screaming.

Imaginative

52

The Scorch—a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland—offers visually striking set pieces (abandoned malls, crumbling cities), and the WCKD conspiracy adds mystery. However, it's derivative of dozens of YA dystopias (Divergent, Hunger Games) without fresh ideas. No creative problem-solving or world-building depth; mostly action sequences strung together. The 'resistance fighters' trope is well-worn. Letterboxd's 3.1/5 and RT's 47% critic score reflect the 'been there, done that' vibe.

Safe

42

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, and that's generous. Intense violence throughout: infected humans (Cranks) attack with jump scares, characters are shot and killed on-screen, torture scenes, a nightclub sequence with implied drug use and suggestive dancing. The movie earned a PG-13 but pushes it hard. No gore per se, but the relentless threat and body horror (infected humans deteriorating) make it genuinely scary and stressful. Not something a younger sibling should stumble into.

Enriching

38

Minimal takeaways beyond 'corporations bad, freedom good.' Themes of resistance and questioning authority are present but underdeveloped—characters react more than reflect. No meaningful character growth; Thomas remains the same determined hero. The ethical complexity of WCKD's motives (finding a cure vs. sacrificing kids) is barely explored. It's a survival thriller that prioritizes spectacle over substance. The 43 Metacritic and 54% audience score suggest even fans found it hollow.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

High-octane action sequences and chase scenes keep the adrenaline pumping for teens who loved the first film
Post-apocalyptic visuals (ruined cities, desert wastelands) are impressively crafted
Themes of questioning authority and corporate evil could spark discussions about power and ethics
Dylan O'Brien's committed performance anchors the chaos

⚠

What to Watch For

Relentless violence: zombie-like 'Cranks' attack with jump scares, characters are shot and tortured, bodies pile up
Dark, stressful tone throughout—minimal humor or emotional relief
A nightclub scene with suggestive dancing and implied drug use feels shoehorned in
Thin plot that's mostly running from one crisis to the next; not much substance beneath the spectacle

Conversation Starters

"WCKD says they're torturing kids to find a cure for humanity—does that ever make it okay?"
"Thomas keeps trusting people who betray him. How do you know when to trust someone in a dangerous situation?"
"The movie shows a world destroyed by disease and greed. What do you think leads societies to collapse like that?"
"If you were in the Scorch with limited resources, what would your survival strategy be?"

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Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials